With a staggering total of 39,898 points, LeBron James stands as the all-time leading scorer in basketball history. Now in his 21st season, the 39-year-old is maintaining an average of 24.9 points per game. It’s projected that he will surpass the monumental 40,000 career points milestone when the Lakers play against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Mar. 4, making him the first and potentially the only player to achieve this feat.
However, given James’ track record, he might accomplish this milestone even sooner. His ability to score 30 or more points in 13 games this season demonstrates his prowess on the court, often likened to poetry in motion.
The upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets on Mar. 2, another home game for the Lakers, could also be a significant moment for James. Considering his respect for Nikola Jokic and the historical rivalry between the two teams, James may aim to reach the 40,000-point mark during this matchup.
Achieving 40,000 career points would be a crowning achievement in James’ illustrious career, which includes four NBA MVP awards, four NBA championships, 20 NBA All-Star appearances, two Olympic gold medals, and the 2004 Rookie of the Year title. Despite facing immense expectations since his debut straight out of high school, James has consistently carried his teams to success, though he remains under scrutiny for not matching Michael Jordan’s flawless 6-0 record in NBA Finals.
Comparisons with Jordan also highlight differences in their respective records and achievements. While Jordan boasts a superior NBA Finals record, more MVP awards, defensive accolades, and scoring titles, James has garnered more All-NBA and All-Star selections, showcasing his longevity and dedication to the sport. His impending milestone of 40,000 career points further solidifies his case as one of the greatest players of all time.
Looking ahead, it’s challenging to identify potential successors to James’ record. While current stars like Kevin Durant and James Harden have amassed impressive career points totals, their ages and the longevity required to reach 40,000 points raise doubts. Even younger talents like Anthony Edwards, Trae Young, and Victor Wembanyama face daunting timelines to achieve such a milestone, indicating the rarity and difficulty of James’ impending accomplishment in today’s high-scoring era of basketball.