Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has once again rewritten basketball history, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach 50,000 career points. The 40-year-old legend achieved the milestone during the Lakers’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, further solidifying his legacy as the league’s greatest scorer of all time.
LeBron James Reaches 50,000 Career Points
Entering the game, LeBron needed just one point to reach the historic mark after scoring 17 points in Sunday’s victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. It didn’t take long for the four-time NBA champion to achieve the milestone.
LEBRON JAMES STARTS THE 50,000 POINTS CLUB
Counting regular season & playoffs…
Another spectacular feat for @KingJames! pic.twitter.com/7IP9MeQ0lz
— NBA (@NBA) March 5, 2025
With just a few minutes into the game, James confidently stepped back and launched a deep 25-foot three-pointer, assisted by Luka Doncic. As the ball swished through the net, the Crypto.com Arena erupted in celebration, recognizing yet another iconic moment in the King’s illustrious career.
A Record That May Never Be Broken
LeBron James is no stranger to breaking records. In 2023, he surpassed the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in regular-season points, surpassing 38,387 points—a record that stood for nearly four decades.
Now, with 50,000 career points, including both regular season and playoff games, LeBron has created a record that may never be broken. To put his achievement into perspective, here’s how he compares to other NBA legends:
- LeBron James – 50,000+ points (and counting)
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 44,149 points
- Karl Malone – 41,689 points
- Kobe Bryant – 39,283 points
- Michael Jordan – 38,279 points
Among active NBA players, only Kevin Durant has surpassed 35,000 career points, leaving him more than 15,000 points behind LeBron, making it highly unlikely for anyone to catch up anytime soon.
Longevity and Consistency: The Secret to LeBron’s Success
LeBron’s ability to reach 50,000 career points is not just about his scoring ability—it is a testament to his longevity, durability, and consistency. Unlike most players who slow down after their mid-30s, James continues to perform at an elite level, even in his 22nd NBA season.
At 40 years old, LeBron is still:
- One of the NBA’s top scorers
- Leading the Lakers in points and assists
- Maintaining an impressive field goal percentage
- Delivering clutch performances in key games
While other superstars have had shorter peaks, LeBron has been dominant for over two decades, consistently averaging 25+ points per game since his rookie season in 2003.
How LeBron’s Scoring Compares to Other NBA Greats
LeBron’s record becomes even more impressive when considering that he is not a natural scorer like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. Unlike players who focused solely on scoring, James has always been a pass-first playmaker, setting up teammates while still being an offensive powerhouse.
His versatile scoring ability—whether driving to the rim, shooting from beyond the arc, or posting up—has allowed him to dominate in every era of basketball. His mix of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ has made him an unstoppable force for over two decades.
Can Anyone Break LeBron’s Record?
With LeBron now past 50,000 points, many wonder if his record will ever be broken. The reality is that this milestone may stand forever.
For any player to reach 50,000 career points, they would need to:
- Play at an elite level for at least 20 seasons
- Average over 25 points per game consistently
- Stay healthy and avoid major injuries
Currently, no active player seems capable of meeting these conditions. Even young superstars like Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum would need an exceptional two-decade career to even come close.
What’s Next for LeBron James?
Even after setting this record, LeBron is showing no signs of slowing down. His next goal could be reaching 40,000 regular-season points, a feat that now looks inevitable given his current form.
Beyond personal milestones, James remains focused on winning another NBA Championship with the Lakers. His leadership and experience will be crucial as the team aims for a deep playoff run this season.
LeBron’s Place in NBA History
There has always been debate about who is the greatest basketball player of all time (GOAT). While comparisons between LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will continue, one thing is certain—LeBron now holds the greatest scoring record the NBA has ever seen.
Whether or not anyone can ever surpass 50,000 points, LeBron’s impact on the game goes beyond statistics. His influence, work ethic, and ability to dominate at the highest level have redefined basketball history.
For now, basketball fans worldwide celebrate this legendary milestone, as LeBron James continues to prove why he is one of the greatest athletes of all time.
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