38 points for LeBron James as he becomes the NBA’s all-time leading scorer as Lakers lose to Thunder.
LeBron James made history as the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 133-130 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the early hours of Wednesday, February 8, 2023.
James needed just 36 points to surpass the previous record of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of 38,387 points.
The 38-year-old James came in hot with the intention of breaking the record as several top celebrities were sitting courtside.
LeBron James makes NBA history
James was in attack mode all night against a young Thunder team playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
Late in the third quarter, James made back-to-back baskets to move just two points from breaking the record.
He eventually achieved the feat with a fadeaway shot while being guarded by Kenrich Lo Williams.
James was congratulated by President Joe Biden, and celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Drake, and Rihanna
After breaking the record, there were a celebratory ceremony to recognize what James accomplished.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver was joined at center court by Abdul-Jabbar to celebrate the achievement by James.
Silver said, “Congratulations to LeBron on breaking one of the most hallowed records in all of sports by becoming the NBA’s all-time scoring leader.
" It’s a towering achievement that speaks to his sustained excellence over 20 seasons in the league.
"And quite amazingly, LeBron continues to play at an elite level and his basketball history is still being written.”
Late in the fourth quarter, James could not continue as the Thunder produced a 23-10 run creating a massive lead.
The Lakers clawed back as the Thunder and held on for the win on an incredible day for James and the history of the NBA.
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