Los Angeles Lakers small forward  Lebron James passed retired center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA’s all-time regular scoring record. While attending Crypto.com Arena to witness the feat, Jabbar, got surpassed by James. Jabbar scored 38,387 career points and held the record from April 1984, until February 7, 2023, when James faced The Oklahoma City Thunder with 38 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. The game stopped instantly after James hit a fadeaway jump shot from the top of the key, James extended his arms out as he jogged back toward the other basket. Then he raised his arms and looked up into the stands at the thousands of people who came to see him make history. The shot flared a celebration that undoubtedly fit the moment near the end of the third quarter of the Laker’s 130-133 loss. Tuesday night ended with plenty of incredible moments, James finished the game with 38,390 career total regular season points.

“To break the record, I was able to get to a really good spot on the floor where I’m really comfortable and get to one of my patented fadeaway shots. I know a lot of people wanted me to go to the skyhook to break the record or one of my signature dunks, but my fadeaway is a signature play as well. And I was able to get it and it touched nothing but the bottom of the net, and that was pretty cool,” James said. 

Despite growing up in the poor city of Akron, Ohio, James made his way to the top to become a four-time NBA Champion (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020, four-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013), NBA Rookie of the Year (2003) and helped lead the United States to gold medals at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics. With a net worth ringing up to $1 billion USD.

“LeBron has been an influential basketball player, dad, and African American leader. He also has done so much for the basketball community and changed the way we look at basketball. He’s a 6’8 260-pound point guard who’s sometimes the most athletic player on the court, before him, it was very rare to see someone like him. He’s inspired me in so many ways and overall a great guy. I’m happy I’m alive to witness greatness because people like him with this amount of longevity don’t come around too often” junior Noah Holloway said.

James continues to dominate the league averaging 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists at the age of 38. James’s statistics remain equivalent to Hall of Famers’ primes, which impresses everyone who watches him. He continues to play for the Los Angeles Lakers (26-31) as they fight for their playoff spot in the next half of the regular season. The Lakers’ chances increased after receiving new additions right before the trade deadline. Former Laker D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba and Rui Hachimura have acquired their positions on the team and play efficiently. Hopefully, the Lakers push through to at least secure playoffs and make a run.