After surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the highest-scoring player in NBA history, LeBron James now stands on the brink of yet another monumental achievement: reaching the 40,000-point milestone. Just 9 points shy of this landmark, LeBron could hit 40,000 points as early as the next Los Angeles Lakers game against the Denver Nuggets.
This milestone is an extraordinary accomplishment, especially for a player at age 39, who still displays world-class performance. LeBron’s current average of 25.2 points per game at nearly 40 years old is remarkable, as most players his age have retired or transitioned away from top-level competition.
LeBron’s Remarkable NBA Scoring Journey
LeBron James’ scoring journey has been nothing short of legendary. After the Lakers’ recent victory over the Washington Wizards, LeBron’s career total reached 39,991 points. Scoring just 9 more points will solidify his status as the first NBA player ever to achieve 40,000 points.
This record is challenging to match in the foreseeable future. Among active players, Kevin Durant is the closest in career points, with 28,318. Other high scorers like James Harden (25,600), Russell Westbrook (25,092), and Stephen Curry (23,198) trail significantly. Achieving this mark requires not only scoring skill but also the resilience to maintain elite performance over a 21-year career. At 39, LeBron still ranks among the NBA’s best, with few injuries that have significantly impacted his longevity.
While records are meant to be broken, LeBron’s feat took nearly four decades to surpass Abdul-Jabbar’s record, and it may take decades before anyone surpasses his own.
LeBron James’s Scoring Records by Team
Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010, 2014–2018)
LeBron scored a total of 23,119 points with the Cavaliers across two stints. During his first seven seasons in Cleveland, he amassed 15,251 points. Upon his return, he added 7,868 more points and led the Cavaliers to their first NBA Championship in 2016. Notably, in the 2007-08 season, LeBron topped the NBA in scoring with an average of 30 points per game. By 2017-18, he once again led the league in total points scored with 2,251 points, achieving this remarkable feat at the age of 33.
Miami Heat (2010–2014)
LeBron scored 7,919 points over four seasons with the Miami Heat, a period often regarded as the peak of his career. He captured two NBA Championships with the Heat, forming a formidable trio alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. LeBron averaged 26.9 points per game during this era, slightly lower than his other seasons due to sharing the scoring load with his star teammates.
Los Angeles Lakers (2018–Present)
To date, LeBron has scored 8,953 points with the Los Angeles Lakers, a total that continues to rise. During the 2021-22 season, LeBron averaged 30.3 points per game at 37 years old, demonstrating his ageless dominance on the court. At age 38, he surpassed Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing record of 38,387 points and now has his sights set on reaching 40,000.
What’s Next for LeBron James?
LeBron James’s journey to the 40,000-point milestone reflects his commitment to excellence and perseverance in professional basketball. This achievement, when reached, will cement his place as one of the sport’s greatest scorers. As LeBron continues to add to his point total, the sports world marvels at his sustained skill and athleticism, inspiring the next generation of basketball talent.
Whether or not another player eventually surpasses this record, LeBron’s impact on the game and his scoring achievements will remain a significant part of NBA history. Fans, analysts, and aspiring athletes alike continue to celebrate his journey, watching closely as he takes his next step into the record books.
