LeBron James set the NBA’s all-time leading scorer by a stepback leap during the third quarter. He surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record in his 38-point game during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 133-130 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
James beat the record held since April 1984, set by Abdul-Jabbar who was watching this game from his base seat close to the Lakers bench. Abdul-Jabbar was then joined by an emotional James as well as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the court following the historic shot.
James’ wife, mother, and children also sat the court with a throng of celebrities that erupted in waves excitement nearly every time James played the ball.
James didn’t disappoint James scored 20 points during the first half, and he displayed a complete display of his offensive skills that shines brightly even after more than two years in the NBA and then he ripped through the record with the third quarter, scoring 16 points. It was capped with a beautiful shot.
The game was suspended for around 10 minutes as James loved his family members and took part in a the brief ceremony alongside Silver as well as Abdul-Jabbar.
“I just want to say thank you to the Laker faithful,” James stated. “You guys are one of a kind. To be able to be in the presence of such a legend as great as Kareem, it’s very humbling.”
James’ most recent moment in NBA record-setting moments came in a crucial moment for the Lakers who struggle to gain ground in their quest to avoid not making the playoffs for the second time in a row. While James did his job but the Lakers suffered another defeat.
Anthony Davis managed just 13 points The Thunder never lost ground in the second quarter. James only scored one point in the final quarter. This put him at the top of the career scoring charts with 38,390 points, three more than of Abdul-Jabbar.
Shai Gilgeous Alexander scored 30 points while Jalen Williams scored 25 for the Thunder that are 1 1/2 games ahead in the race for 13th place Lakers close to the lowest of the Western Conference standings.
The young Thunder appeared to take advantage of the excitement generated by James his historic night even though they didn’t defend him very well. Oklahoma City jumped to a 15-point lead early in the period and hit more than 60 percent in its shot attempts.
TIP-INS
Thunder Josh Giddey had 20 points. … Once-time Lakers forward Mike Muscala scored 16 points.
Lakers: Austin Reaves returned after a break of 16 games with a the hamstring strain and played seven minutes without scoring. … Russell Westbrook scored 27 point and assists.
UP NEXT
Thunder: At Portland on Friday.
Lakers: Host Milwaukee on Thursday.
