LeBron James Claims Throne as NBA's All-Time Leading Scorer
LeBron James | NBA Scoring Champ via Getty Images
By: Joshua Martin
The countdown is over!! On February 7th, 2023 we were all witnesses!!
LeBron James officially passes Kareem Abdul Jabbar as the NBA’s all time leading scorer. The record fell on an impressive fall away 14 ft jump shot by the King late in the 3rd quarter in front of a packed house in Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Despite a Laker’s loss, the moment overshadowed what has otherwise been a disappointing season for his squad.
Nonetheless, LeBron breaking the record last night almost seemed meant to be and we were all witnesses of the King’s momentous feat. The electricity in the building was undeniable as a laundry list of celebrities and admirers were in attendance from Kareem Abdul Jabbar to Denzel Washington to Jay-Z. Even NBA commissioner Adam Silver was in attendance to witness history.
Once the record was broken, the game stopped for about 10 real time minutes and Lebron was able to bask in all of his glory. Surrounded by family and friends Lebron addressed the crowd by paying homage to Kareem while thanking the Lakers organization and his family.
We are all witnesses 👏 @KingJames pic.twitter.com/d2PsIFv0Ke
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 8, 2023
Drake, Rihanna and other fellow NBA stars gave King James his flowers via video tributes.
"This is one of the greatest accomplishments in sports history."
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 8, 2023
Some of the best to ever do it congratulate @KingJames 👏 pic.twitter.com/3nNvmKVYAo
Known for being more of a facilitator than a scorer, this record screams volumes on Lebron’s impact and versatility on the court.
There shouldn't be any more debates about whether or not Lebron James is the greatest pro basketball player ever. After 20 seasons with 4 Championships with 3 different squads, 4 Finals MVPs and now the all time leading scorer, it's getting pretty hard to deny Lebron G.O.A.T. status. If you're still on the fence on where he ranks all time here are a few, emphasis on few, of the King’s greatest on the court moments.
Capturing Cleveland’s first Professional title since breaking a 52 year drought. The blocked shot heard around the world
In 2016, LeBron led the Cavaliers to their first title in franchise history. Highlighted by LeBron’s sweet block against Andre Igouldala at the rim, the King led the Cavs in almost every statistical category bringing home his 3rd Finals MVP. Kyrie technically hit the game winning shot in this series but Bron undoubtedly carried this team to a victory in a series where they were the underdogs.
There shouldn't be any more debates about whether or not LeBron James is the greatest pro basketball player ever. His longevity alone stands
Game 6 Miami Heat Vs Boston Celtics - 2012
Down 3-2 versus the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals, Lebron went into beast mode. Often criticized for not having that killer instinct alla Kobe or MJ, Lebron put together one of his most dominant performances of his career. Starting the game making 10 straight shots, Lebron finished with 45 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists while shooting 73% from the field. The Heat would eventually beat the C’s enroute to Lebron capturing his first title against the Oklahoma City Thunder led by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
Game 5 Cleveland Cavaliers Vs Detroit Pistons - 2007
LeBron scored 25 straight, 29 of the last 30 for the Cavs in the 4th quarter and overtime vs the Pistons in game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Semifinals. At only 22 years of age the King did his best to carry his talent deprived Cavs squad to a championship. The Pistons, a veteran squad led by Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace, did all they could to slow him down in a grueling back and forth contest. The Cavs eventually lost the series in 7 games but this performance put the world on notice.
In summation, LeBron is the only 7th player in league history to hold the position of the League’s all time leading scorer. Kareem's spot on the top of the scoring list stood for 39 years. I'm willing to bet LeBron holds this record just about as long or longer as ‘Cap’. Congratulations to the King!!
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