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LeBron James has surpassed Kareem Abdul-long-standing Jabbar’s record to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
The LA Lakers stars scored 38 points in a 133-130 loss against the Oklahoma Thunder to break Kareem Abdul-1989 Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points.
Eight months before James was born, in April 1984, Abdul-Jabbar first broke the scoring mark.
“To be able to be in the presence of a legend and great as Kareem, it means so much to me,” said James.
At the end of the third quarter, James, who needed 36 points to break the record, accomplished it with a fadeaway jumper, giving him a career total of 38,390 points.
An emotional Abdul-Jabbar, who was watching the game at the Lakers’ home court stood and cheered as James raised both arms in excitement.
Play was halted for a ceremony to celebrate the achievement, during which James spoke on court using a microphone.
With 38,352 points going into the game, James needed 36 more to pass Abdul-Jabbar. He ended up scoring 38 points for the night on 13 of 20 shooting (4 of 6 from three), adding 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
James hugged his mother, wife, and three children while the game was halted . He then took part in a short ceremony with NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Abdul-Jabbar, who watched the game from a baseline seat near the Lakers bench.
“A record that has stood for close to 40 years,” Silver said. “Many people thought it would never be broken. LeBron, you are the NBA’s all-time scoring leader. Congratulations.”
Abdul-Jabbar held the game ball aloft then handed it to James, the ceremonial passing of the torch. They posed for photos with Silver then with each other.
“I want to say thank you to the Laker faithful. You guys are one of a kind,” James told the fans who turned out in droves for the chance to see a once-in-a-generation achievement. “To be able to be in the presence of such a legend and great as Kareem, it’s very humbling. Please give a standing ovation to The Captain, please.”
James then thanked his family and those who have supported him, including Silver and late NBA commissioner David Stern.