LeBron James has etched his name even deeper into basketball history, becoming the first-ever NBA player to score 40,000 career points. This monumental achievement occurred on Saturday night at the Crypto.com Arena, during a game against the Denver Nuggets, adding another incredible milestone to his already legendary career.
In front of an electric home crowd, James drove to the basket against Michael Porter Jr. and converted a layup with 10:39 remaining in the second quarter. This basket marked his 40,000th point, a feat unmatched by any other player in the NBA’s rich history.
LeBron James scores his 40,000th career point against the Denver Nuggets, further cementing his legacy as the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
The game paused briefly as James received a standing ovation from the fans. Lakers coach Darvin Ham acknowledged the achievement with a congratulatory pat. The arena showcased a video tribute, and James, in a moment of appreciation, held the game ball aloft for the cheering crowd. Despite the historic moment and his team-high performance of 26 points on an efficient 12-for-20 shooting, along with 9 assists, the Lakers unfortunately fell to the Nuggets with a final score of 124-114.
While reaching 40,000 points is an extraordinary accomplishment, James had already surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer just over a year prior. However, being the first to reach this new pinnacle is undeniably special. “Being the first player to do something, it’s pretty cool in this league, just knowing the history, the greats that’s come through the league,” James commented after the game. His focus, however, remained on team success, adding, “But for me, the main thing, as always, is to win, and I hated that it had to happen in a defeat.”
Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who spent five seasons coaching James as an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers, expressed his continued admiration. “I don’t get caught up in the number per se, but you just have to marvel at the continued greatness,” Malone stated, acknowledging LeBron’s sustained excellence.
LeBron James’ Statistical Dominance
LeBron James’ name is ubiquitous throughout the NBA record books. His journey to 40,000 points is a testament to his longevity, consistent high level of play, and overall impact on the game. Looking at some key statistical categories highlights his remarkable career achievements.
NBA All-Time Points Leaderboard
This table showcases LeBron James’ place at the top of the NBA’s all-time scoring list, further illustrating his incredible scoring record.
| RANK | PLAYER | PTS | GP | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LeBron James | 40,017 | 1,475 | 55,987 | 14,670 | 29,027 | 50.5 |
| 2 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 38,387 | 1,560 | 57,446 | 15,837 | 28,307 | 55.9 |
| 3 | Karl Malone | 36,928 | 1,476 | 54,852 | 13,528 | 26,210 | 51.6 |
| 4 | Kobe Bryant | 33,643 | 1,346 | 48,643 | 11,719 | 26,200 | 44.7 |
| 5 | Michael Jordan | 32,292 | 1,072 | 41,010 | 12,192 | 24,537 | 49.7 |
LeBron James reaching 40,000 career points is more than just a number; it’s a symbol of his sustained excellence, dedication, and unparalleled career in the NBA. As he continues to play, it remains to be seen just how high he will raise the bar for future generations of basketball players.
