The anticipation at the Crypto.com Arena in L.A. was ratcheted up to 11 as the Lakers forward and Akron son finally reached an achievement that basketball analysts had insisted for decades couldn't be done – topping the NBA's all-time scoring list after Abdul-Jabbar's record had stood for nearly 40 years. But over the course of James' 20 seasons and 38,388 points (and counting) in the NBA – including the Cleveland Cavaliers (uh, twice) – he achieved the impossible with his family and friends from the Rubber Capital of the World witnessing it courtside. (Fun fact: James and a Cincinnati-area bar owner got into a spat in 2021.)
Before the battle, James told media members that it was going to be a "vintage headband game," alluding to his younger years when such a fixture was one of his hallmarks. Indeed, James sported a white headband as celebrities like Jay-Z and Usher took in the game. On the sidelines, he consulted with his sons Bronny – who has been nabbing his own accolades in the sport – and Bryce, telling them, "I'll get it." And at 9:01 p.m. Pacific Time, as he hit the jumper that sealed his place in basketball history, his kids stood up to film the moment, cheering and celebrating as the league paused the game for Abdul-Jabbar to pass the proverbial torch – a basketball, naturally – to James. After the celebration, James even scored another two points.
After he game, James acknowledged his long rise to superstardom and repeatedly pointed to his Ohio roots, telling reporters, "I'm just a kid from Akron." Even with the move from the Cavs to the Lakers, James continues to love on the Rubber City, basing the LeBron James Family Foundation there, opening a health center, public school for struggling kids and a housing center, and giving away thousands of scholarships. The highest-paid athlete in NBA history, James also is a businessman, investing in Blaze Pizza, becoming part-owner of several pro sports teams and founding SpringHill Company, which has produced documentaries and entertainment for Disney and Universal Pictures. Time magazine has hailed him as one of the most influential people in the world.
James' latest achievement just adds to his legend. He's also in fourth place for all-time assists, ninth in steals and ninth in three-pointers. He has four NBA championship titles, four NBA Finals most valuable player awards, four overall MVP awards, 19 NBA All-Star Game appearances, two Olympic gold medals and one Olympic bronze medal.
But the ride isn't over, James insists. "I know I could play a couple more years," he told reporters.
James' historic moment was shared worldwide online, with basketball analysts, former coaches and teammates, entertainment stars and fans of both teams commenting on the milestone. Scroll down to see the best videos, memes and thoughts about "King James."
