LeBron James is on the verge of passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Abdul-Jabbar has held the record since April 1984 when he broke Wilt Chamberlain’s career mark of 31,419 points. Now, nearly 40 years later, LeBron is poised to take over the top spot.
As of November 3, 2023, LeBron James has scored 38,352 career points over 20 NBA seasons. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar finished his illustrious career with 38,387 points. That means LeBron needs just 36 more points to surpass Kareem and become the new all-time scoring leader.
At LeBron’s career scoring average of 27.1 points per game, he would need to play in just 2 more games to break the record. However, LeBron is averaging 24.9 ppg this season at age 38, so it may take him 3 or 4 more games to get the 36 points needed.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Scoring Record
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated the NBA for 20 seasons from 1969 to 1989. He was a 6-time NBA champion, 6-time MVP, and 19-time All-Star with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.
Kareem was famous for his unstoppable “skyhook” shot and finished his playing days with numerous all-time records, including:
- Most points – 38,387
- Most field goals made – 15,837
- Most minutes played – 57,446
The scoring record has stood since April 5, 1984 when Kareem broke Wilt Chamberlain’s career mark of 31,419 points with a signature skyhook late in the game against the Utah Jazz. Kareem called it the most satisfying moment of his legendary career.
For nearly 40 years, no NBA player has seriously challenged Kareem’s scoring record. Until LeBron James came along.
LeBron James’ Scoring Pursuit
LeBron James joined the NBA straight out of high school as the 1st overall pick in the 2003 draft. Over 20 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron has cemented himself as one of the greatest players ever.
Some key milestones in LeBron’s chase for the scoring record:
- January 2006 – LeBron scores his 5,000th career point at age 21
- May 2007 – 10,000 career points at age 22
- January 2013 – 20,000 points at age 28
- October 2016 – LeBron passes Hakeem Olajuwon as the all-time leader for field goals made
- January 2018 – LeBron reaches 30,000 career points at age 33
Along the way, LeBron has been named league MVP 4 times. He has also won 4 championship rings (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020) and been named NBA Finals MVP with each title.
At age 38, LeBron continues to play at an elite level. He averaged 30.3 ppg in 2021-22 before being limited by injuries this season. But the scoring milestone has always been a goal, and now he is on the verge of surpassing Kareem.
LeBron’s Current 2022-2023 Season Stats
Here are LeBron James’ key stats through the first 10 Lakers games this season as he pushes for the all-time scoring record:
- 24.9 points per game average
- 48.1% field goal percentage
- 7.5 rebounds per game
- 6.9 assists per game
LeBron is playing 35.7 minutes per game and attempting almost 18 shots per game. His efficiency is a bit down compared to his peak seasons, but he remains capable of scoring 30+ points on any given night.
In his most recent game on November 2nd, LeBron scored 31 points against the New Orleans Pelicans. It marked the 1,135th time in his career scoring 30+ points in a regular season game.
LeBron’s Current Career Totals
| Career points: | 38,352 |
| Career field goals made: | 12,757 |
| Career 3-pointers made: | 2,140 |
| Career free throws made: | 8,698 |
| Career rebounds: | 10,349 |
| Career assists: | 10,144 |
| Career steals: | 2,136 |
| Career blocks: | 1,005 |
At his current career scoring average of 27.1 ppg, LeBron is projected to finish with over 40,000 career points if he plays 2-3 more seasons. That’s an incredible testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level over 20 seasons.
When Will LeBron Break the Record?
LeBron needs 36 points to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s new all-time leading scorer.
At his current 2022-23 scoring rate, LeBron would break the record in approximately 3 more games. However, he could do it in just 2 games if he has a couple high scoring outbursts.
The Lakers’ upcoming schedule provides some potential record-breaking opportunities:
- November 4 vs. Sacramento – LeBron could break it in this home game.
- November 6 at Portland – Possible record-breaker with road crowd cheering against LeBron.
- November 7 at Utah – Difficult road environment but opportunity if record not broken yet.
- November 9 vs. Clippers – Late Kareem’s former Lakers team if LeBron hasn’t done it yet.
Of course, injuries or rest could also factor into when LeBron breaks the record. But based on his current 2022 production, he should become the new all-time scoring leader within 2-4 games.
It will be a monumental achievement cementing LeBron as one of the very best players in basketball history. Kareem has held the record for nearly 40 years, but his reign is about to end.
Key Stats & Milestones on LeBron’s Climb
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key stats and milestones from LeBron James’ historic climb up the NBA’s all-time scoring list:
30,000 Career Points
On January 23, 2018 against the San Antonio Spurs, LeBron became just the 7th player in NBA history to score 30,000 career points. He joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Dirk Nowitzki in the exclusive 30K club. At age 33, LeBron was the youngest player ever to reach that milestone.
Surpassing Michael Jordan
On March 6, 2019, LeBron passed childhood idol Michael Jordan on the scoring list. Fittingly, he hit a fadeaway jumper – MJ’s signature shot – to move past Jordan’s 32,292 career points. LeBron called it an unbelievable honor to be linked to Jordan in the record books.
10,000 Defensive Rebounds
In January 2021, LeBron became the first frontcourt player ever to record 10,000 career defensive rebounds and 10,000 career assists. His incredible all-around game was evidenced by this milestone.
Catching Karl Malone
On March 19, 2022 versus the Washington Wizards, LeBron passed Karl Malone for 2nd place on the scoring list. He hit a floating jumper to reach 36,947 career points and eclipse Malone’s longstanding record of 36,928 points. Now only Kareem remained ahead of him.
1,300 Regular Season Games
This season on October 30, 2022, LeBron appeared in his 1,300th career regular season game, including playoffs. Only Abdul-Jabbar has played in more games in NBA history. LeBron marked the occasion with his first triple-double of the season.
Closing in on Kareem
It has taken 20 NBA seasons, but LeBron is finally on the verge of breaking one of the most hallowed records in basketball history.
When he scores those next 36 points, LeBron will cement his legacy as one of the greatest scorers ever and take his place atop basketball’s most prestigious all-time scoring list. It will be an historic moment decades in the making.
LeBron James’ Case as Potential G.O.A.T.
Once LeBron passes Kareem as the new all-time leading scorer, the debate over who is basketball’s Greatest Of All Time will kick into high gear. He absolutely deserves to be in the conversation along with Michael Jordan, Kareem, Wilt, Russell, Magic and Bird.
Here is the case for LeBron as the potential G.O.A.T.:
- Longevity: LeBron’s 20-year career at an elite level is unprecedented. He will rank top 3 in career points and top 10 in assists while maintaining amazing durability.
- All-Around Game: LeBron impacts all facets – scoring, rebounding, passing, defense. Nightly triple-double threat. Most complete player ever.
- Individual Hardware: 4 MVPs, 4 Finals MVPs, 18 All-Star selections. Should finish top 5 in MVP voting an astounding 17 times.
- Team Success: 4 NBA titles with 3 different franchises, including ending Cleveland’s 52-year title drought. 10 Finals appearances.
- Clutch Play: Some of the greatest playoff moments ever like The Block on Igoudala and epic Game 7 comeback vs. Warriors in 2016 Finals.
Others argue Jordan’s 6 Finals MVPs or Russell’s 11 championships keep them atop the G.O.A.T. debate. But with the scoring record and his overall resume, LeBron has to be considered right up there with the all-time greats.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Legacy
Even when LeBron James breaks his scoring record, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career achievements and impact on the game remain incredibly impressive:
- 6 NBA championships (2 with Bucks, 4 with Lakers)
- 6 regular season MVP awards – most ever
- 2 Finals MVP awards
- 19 All-Star Game selections – most ever
- 15x All-NBA selection
- 11x All-Defensive Team
- 3 NCAA championships at UCLA
- 3x NCAA Player of the Year
Kareem was a pioneer as a 7’2 center who played for 20 seasons. He popularized the skyhook as one of the most unguardable shots ever. His battles with Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell were legendary.
Beyond basketball, Kareem demonstrated social activism during the civil rights movement and has been outspoken on political issues.
LeBron may break his scoring record, but Kareem’s impact and legacy across NBA history remains extremely significant. He and LeBron now stand together atop the sport’s scoring pantheon.
