LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers began the 2022-23 season with 37,062 points, just 1,325 shy of Kareem Abdul-all-time Jabbar’s scoring record.
With a season average of 29.7 points, James is closing in on Abdul-38,387 Jabbar’s point total, and he has made a furious push in the last six weeks – despite missing three games since Dec. 18 – with 14 games of at least 30 points, including three 40-plus point games, capped off by 48 points against Houston on Jan. 16.
At his current rate of production, James should pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in early February.
38,325 career points at Indiana
James had 26 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds in the Lakers’ 112-111 comeback victory over the Pacers on February 2. For the Lakers, James was 11-for-19 from the field and 2-for-5 on three-pointers, while Anthony Davis had a game-high 31 points and 14 rebounds.
38,299 career points in New York
Jan. 31: In the Lakers’ 129-123 overtime victory over the Knicks, James had 28 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. After missing Monday’s game against Brooklyn due to left ankle pain, James returned with his 106th career triple-double, moving him one spot behind Jason Kidd for fourth all-time. While the scoring record is the main focus, James also surpassed Mark Jackson and Steve Nash to move into fourth place on the all-time assists list. James is only ahead of Chris Paul, Kidd, and John Stockton.
38,271 career points at Boston
Jan. 28: James enjoys playing in Boston, but his 41-point performance against the Celtics was insufficient as the Lakers were defeated 125-121 in overtime. James also had nine rebounds and eight assists, and in the final seconds, he was fouled on a potential game-winning shot. The officials who did not call a foul later admitted they had made a mistake.
38,230 career points against San Antonio
Jan. 25: James’ 20-point performance tied for his third-lowest scoring total of the season. James went 1-for-6 from deep one night after hitting a career-high nine, part of an 8-for-20 performance overall. James – who nearly had a triple-double (nine rebounds, 11 assists) – and the Lakers got a boost off the bench from Anthony Davis (21 points) and new addition Rui Hachimura (12 points) as they defeated the Spurs 113-104.
38,210 career points against the Los Angeles Clippers
Jan. 24: James went off again, scoring 46 points, including a career-high nine 3-pointers (on 14 attempts). According to ESPN Stats & Info, James is the first player in NBA history to record a 40-point game against all 30 teams. Unfortunately for James and the Lakers, the Clippers won again, 133-115. The Clippers have won 10 consecutive games against their in-arena rivals.
38,164 career points at Portland
Jan. 22: James scored 37 points against the Blazers as the Lakers rallied from a 25-point halftime deficit to win 121-112. Since turning 38 on December 30, James has averaged 35.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 53% from the field.
