LeBron James 36 Points Away From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA Scoring Record

LeBron James 36 Points Away From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA Scoring Record

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:24 PM
  • LeBron James is only 36 points from becoming NBA's all-time scorer
  • The Lakers star scored 27 against the New Orleans Pelicans, but his team lost 131-126
  • James is projected to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the next two games

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time NBA scoring record will be broken in a few days by LeBron James who inched closer to the record after scoring 27 points against the New Orleans Pelicans but Lakers suffered a painful 131-126 defeat.

James is averaging 30.0 points in 43 games in the 2022/23 season. Therefore, he is on track to break the record on Thursday, 9th February at home against the Milwaukee Bucks, Abdul-Jabbar's former team.

LeBron James, NBA, Lakers, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, NBA, Lakers
Source: Getty Images

James is playing at an incredible level this season. He recently turned 38 and is playing in his 20th NBA season. He has scored 1290 points in 43 games so far.

James' superb displays have kept Lakers afloat. They are having an up-and-down season. They started 2-10 and although there have been some improvements, they are yet to climb up playoff places.

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Injury to Anthony Davis and other key players have disrupted their momentum. They have a 25-29 record and sit 13th in the Western Conference. Considering how chaotic the West has been this season, they have to start winning now to build some momentum ahead of the All-Star break

James inches closer to history

Abdul-Jabbar has held the record for nearly 40 years. The Lakers icon passed the late great Wilt Chamberlain on April 5 1984. Some players like Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant have been close to breaking it but ran out of time.

James' longevity is unmatched. He has been able to avoid serious injuries in his long successful career and when he breaks the record, the G.O.A.T debate will certainly be different after that.

The Lakers play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, February 7th. Could that be the day? His career points per game against the Thunder is 28.1 points.

If he doesn't break it against the Thunder, he surely will against the Bucks, barring any setbacks, according to ESPN projections.

After Lakers lost to the Pelicans, James offered his thoughts about rumors Kyrie Irving links to the Lakers.

The Brooklyn Nets star requested a trade ahead of the February 9th trade deadline, a move that shocked many NBA fans. The Lakers, LA Clippers, Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the wantaway guard.

James said he leaves that side of the business to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. James recently hinted that the Lakers front office should improve the roster.

Irving celebrates James

Sports Brief earlier reported on Irving paying tribute to LeBron James who is on the brink of NBA history.

James is expected to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the NBA's all-time scoring list at some point this month. James is 36 points away from breaking the record.

Irving said James should be celebrated because he has dominated the NBA for 20 seasons. Irving and James pulled off the impossible, coming from 3-1 down to win the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.
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