Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James started the 2022-23 season with 37,062 points, just 1,325 shy of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record.
Averaging 29.7 points this season, James is closing in on Abdul-Jabbar’s 38,387 points, and he has made a furious push in the past five weeks – despite missing three games since Dec. 18 – with 14 games of at least 30 points, including three 40-plus point games, topped off by 48 points against Houston on Jan. 16.
At his scoring rate, James should pass Abdul-Jabbar and become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in early February.
History lesson: Which NBA players have led the league in all-time points scored?
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LeBron James
Let’s take a look at James’ progress:
at Boston, 38,271 points
Jan. 28: James enjoys playing in Boston, but his 41-point effort against the Celtics wasn’t enough as the Lakers lost 125-121 in overtime. James also had nine rebounds and eight assists and was fouled on a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds but refs did not call a foul.
Points shy: 116
Next: at Brooklyn, Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV, but James will miss the game with left ankle sorenes
vs. San Antonio, 38,230 career points
Jan. 25: James’ 20-point night tied for his third lowest scoring game this season. One night after hitting a career-high nine 3-pointers, James went just 1-for-6 from deep, part of an 8-for-20 showing from the field overall. James – who did nearly have a triple-double (nine rebounds, 11 assists) – and the Lakers got a boost off the bench from the return of Anthony Davis (21 points) and new addition Rui Hachimura (12 points) as they earned a 113-104 win over the Spurs.
Points shy: 157
Next game: at Boston, Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET
vs. L.A. Clippers, 38,210 career points
Jan. 24: James went off again, scoring 46 points thanks in part to a career-high nine made 3-pointers (on 14 attempts). Per ESPN Stats & Info, James, who had 28 points in the secnd half, is the first player in NBA history to record a 40-point game against all…
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