LeBron James is first NBA player to score 40,000 points

During the LA Lakers' home game against the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James made history by becoming the first NBA player to surpass 40,000 career points with a driving layup.  

Moreover, a year ago, on February 7, 2022, at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder, James overtook former Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time scoring leader. Over 20 seasons, Abdul-Jabbar scored 38,387 points. 

James has a lifetime average of 27.1 points per game over 1,474 games over 21 NBA seasons going into Saturday's match. 

The product of Akron, Ohio, needed nine points to attain his most recent milestone. In the first quarter, he scored five points on two of three shots. 

James started the second quarter by cutting to the basket for a layup. With 10:39 left in the half, he drove past Michael Porter Jr. of the Nuggets with a spin and made a left-handed layup to reach the 40,000 mark. 

Given that it was a losing endeavor, he described the historic attempt as "bittersweet." Despite James' 26 points in the end, the Lakers fell short against the Nuggets 124-114. 

“Being the first player to do something, it’spretty cool in this league ‘cause you just know the history, you know the grace that has come through the league,” James said after the game. 

“But the main thing is always the main thing and that’s the win. And I hated that had to happen in a defeat, especially versus a team that plays extremely well. 

“We played some good basketball but wasn’t able to close it out, so bittersweet, but I enjoyed every moment though, while on the floor.” 

James, who is currently in his 21st season, is the oldest active player in the NBA and has won four championships and four NBA MVP awards.  

The 39-year-old has scored more points than ever lately, averaging 30.8 points in his last four outings. This season, James came into the game averaging 25.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.9 assists. 

October 29, 2003, was the day he scored his first points in the NBA as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Sacramento Kings. In February 2008, he scored 10,000 points, and in January 2013, he scored 20,000 points. January 2018 marked James' 30,000th point.  

“Just happy for him. It was a hell of an accomplishment,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “Wish we could have got the win to cap it off. But my hat’s off to him. Amazing, amazing run that continues to this day.” 

The crowd gave James a standing ovation during a timeout and the ball James used for the milestone hoop was removed from the game.