LeBron James reached another historic milestone on Tuesday, becoming the first NBA player to score 50,000 total career points after sinking a three-pointer in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ dominant victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
James entered the game just one point shy of the unprecedented mark and wasted no time etching his name in the record books. Reflecting on the achievement, the 40-year-old star acknowledged the significance of the moment.
“It’s a hell of a lot of points,” James said postgame. “I’m super blessed to be able to put that many points up in the best league in the world and with the best players in the world throughout my career. So it’s pretty special.”
Already the NBA’s all-time leading regular-season scorer—after surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record in February 2023—James also holds the all-time playoff scoring record, a title he claimed from Michael Jordan in 2017. Now in his 22nd season, he continues to defy expectations.
James was recently named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Month for February, bringing his record total to 41 monthly awards, including three with the Lakers. He also became the oldest recipient of the honour, surpassing Karl Malone, who won it at age 37 in 2000.
The Lakers have been in top form since acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis last month. James and Doncic showcased their growing chemistry on Tuesday, combining for 64 points and 21 assists in a 136-115 win.
“He is getting more and more comfortable not only with the team, not only with the sets, but with everything—the fans, LA,” James said of Doncic. “Every day is going to get better for him health-wise because he is getting better with his calf. It’s good for our team.”
Doncic, who suffered a left calf strain on Christmas Day and was sidelined for nearly six weeks, appears to be regaining form.
Tuesday’s victory extended the Lakers’ winning streak to seven games, propelling them to second place in the Western Conference standings. James, who has been a defensive anchor as well as an offensive force, expressed confidence in the team’s direction.
“We’re just trying to continue to mesh well offensively and defensively and hold each other accountable,” he said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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