LOS ANGELES — On Tuesday night, LeBron James made history once again as he became the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 combined points in the regular season and postseason. The Los Angeles Lakers star surpassed this milestone with a 3-pointer early in the first quarter of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
This achievement is just another addition to James’ long list of accomplishments in his illustrious career. At 40 years old, he is already the top scorer in NBA history in both the regular season and playoffs, redefining the meaning of longevity in basketball.
James reached the 50,000-point mark in his 22nd season, tying him with Vince Carter for the most played in NBA history. This is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the game, as he continues to defy age and expectations.
The Lakers’ victory over the Clippers on Sunday night, where James scored 17 points, brought him to 49,999 points. And with his performance against the Pelicans, he has now solidified his place in NBA history.
It’s no surprise that James’ game shows no signs of decline even in his 40s. He was recently named the NBA’s Western Conference player of the month for February, averaging 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while playing more than 35 minutes per game. This helped the Lakers go 9-2 and climb to second place in the Western Conference standings.
James’ consistency and longevity are what sets him apart from other NBA players. He began Tuesday at third in NBA history with 1,547 regular-season games played, trailing only Robert Parish (1,611) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1,560). If he continues to stay healthy and decides to return for a record 23rd season, he will likely surpass Parish next winter.
In addition to his regular-season games, James has also played in 287 postseason games, the most in NBA history. He became the league’s career playoff scoring leader on May 25, 2017, when he surpassed Michael Jordan’s total of 5,987 during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference finals game against the Boston Celtics.
But James’ record-breaking scoring doesn’t stop there. On February 7, 2023, he also became the top scorer in regular-season history, surpassing Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points during the Lakers’ game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James’ metronomic consistency is what has allowed him to achieve these incredible feats. With his performance against the Clippers, he has now scored at least 10 points in 1,277 consecutive games since January 6, 2007 – by far the longest such streak in NBA history.
His impressive record of 41 player of the month awards, extending his own league record, is a testament to his consistent and outstanding performances throughout his career. And at 40 years old, he has also become the oldest player to win this award, surpassing a 37-year-old Karl Malone in November 2000.
James’ impact on the game of basketball goes beyond just his scoring records. He has also been a leader and role model for younger players, using his platform to speak out on social issues and inspire others to be the best versions of themselves.
As James continues to make history and break records, it’s clear that he is not just a basketball player, but a legend in the making. His dedication, hard work, and passion for the game have solidified his place as one of the greatest players in NBA history. And as he continues to defy age and expectations, there’s no telling what other milestones he will achieve in the future.
