LeBron James Makes History with 50,000 Career Points

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James made history Tuesday night by becoming the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 combined points in the regular season and postseason. James achieved this milestone with a three-pointer early in the first quarter during the Los Angeles Lakers‘ game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Entering the game needing just one point to reach the historic total, James hit his first shot from beyond the arc, giving the Lakers a 13-6 lead and propelling him to 50,002 career points as the crowd erupted in celebration. Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter acknowledged the historic moment during a timeout, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, we all have just witnessed history.”

James scored 49,999 points in a previous game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, where he contributed 17 points, leading the Lakers to their sixth consecutive victory. The 40-year-old forward is known for his exceptional scoring ability and remarkable consistency throughout his 22-season career, which ties him with Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history.

This milestone comes as James has shown little sign of declining in performance. He was named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Month for February, averaging 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game during that span. “We wouldn’t be in the position we’re in without him playing at the level he’s been playing at,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said before the Pelicans game. “And that’s offensively and defensively.”

LeBron James is already the all-time leading scorer in both regular-season games and playoffs. His 41,837 points in regular-season contests and 8,162 points in playoff games solidify his position at the top of the scoring hierarchy, surpassing legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who ranks second with 44,149 combined points over 20 seasons.

With the Lakers pushing for a guaranteed playoff position, James has more opportunities to extend his record, as he is set to continue playing through the remaining regular season and likely into the playoffs. So far this season, he has been a pivotal player, ranking 14th in scoring and fifth in assists across the league.

Historically, no player has matched James’ longevity in the league. He has played in over 1,500 regular-season games and holds the record for the most playoff games in NBA history at 287. His scoring journey began in 2003 when he entered the league as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft and quickly marked himself as one of the most prolific scorers the game has ever seen.

James’ path to 50,000 points reflects his commitment to excellence on and off the court. He brings an unmatched work ethic, evidenced by the meticulous care he takes of his body and his continuous drive to improve. “I have a strong feeling towards the play-in tournament, that those little one-game scenarios are playoff games,” Redick remarked, which speaks to James’ understanding of the competitive landscape of the league.

The Lakers entered Tuesday’s matchup riding a wave of momentum, having gone 18-4 since January 15, marking the best record in the league over that timeframe. As James continues to break records and set new standards, the basketball world marvels at the accomplishments of a player willing to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in the sport.