LeBron James has achieved so much in his iconic NBA career that it’s simply another day, another milestone for the legendary player. The latest in his unrivalled canon is becoming the first ever player to hit the almost unbelievable marker of 50,000 points in his professional career. Will there ever be another player like him? The man himself didn’t hold back in acknowledging his latest achievement.
“I’m not going to sugar-coat it – it’s a hell of a lot of points,” LeBron commented after the game. “I’m super blessed to be able to put up that many points in my career in the best league in the world and against the best players in the world – it’s pretty special,” he added.
The Milestone
LeBron, as is befitting the incredible man, achieved the landmark score in typically Hollywood style, swooshing an immaculate three-pointer from all of 25 feet during his side’s dominant 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
In bagging an impressive 34-point haul in the regular season game, LeBron reached 50,033 career points in the NBA, the first man to pass that mark. To put some context on it, the next man on that list is the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and he’s now a full 6,000 behind. As of that Pelicans game, the Lakers small/power forward reached 41,871 regular season points. His current mark of 8,162 points secured in the postseason is also unsurpassed. Indeed, will these milestones ever be? Most wouldn’t recommend wagering against this basketball icon in your NBA betting.
Who Else Is On The List?
Led by LeBron, and with Abdul-Jabbar a distant second, who else features on the all-time NBA points scorers list? And are there any active players likely to come close to this outstanding career achievement?
The top 5 scorers all-time in the regular season and postseason are an absolute who’s who of NBA legends. Following the two Lakers, LeBron and Abdul-Jabbar, is Karl Malone, who ended his illustrious career with the Utah Jazz (and later with the Lakers) with a combined regular and postseason record of 41,689 points. Malone, Abdul-Jabbar and James remain the only three players to have surpassed the 40,000 mark. It’s yet another Lakers icon, Kobe Bryant, who sits next on this particular list, with 39,283 points. And it is a man who rivals James for the mantle of best player ever, Michael Jordan, who comes next, with 38,279 points.
In terms of current players, is there anyone who might get close to breaking that top 5? Current Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant may well get there. Currently 36, the two-time NBA champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist is currently about 3,000 shy of Jordan’s mark, and will surely get there in the next couple of years. As for LeBron’s record? Forget about it.
Just Another Record
The 50,000 mark is just the latest LeBron achievement in a career that is simply littered with records. LeBron has been named an NBA All-Star an unrivalled 21 times, two clear of Abdul-Jabbar. James is also a 20-time all-NBA Team member, which puts him five clear of his nearest rival. 13 of those selections were to the first team, which is also a record. James is currently the oldest active player in the NBA, while his 22 seasons is joint highest with Vince Carter. Unsurprisingly, James also holds the record for most minutes played.
King James? You’d better believe it!
