LeBron James Makes NBA History: First Player to Cross 50,000 Career Points
LeBron James has once again etched his name in the annals of NBA history by becoming the first player ever to surpass a staggering 50,000 combined points in both the regular season and playoffs.
James hit this monumental milestone with a three-pointer just minutes into the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the New Orleans Pelicans. After entering the league 22 years ago, he has accumulated an impressive 41,840 points during the regular season and an additional 8,162 points in the postseason.
In 2023, he dethroned Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to claim the all-time regular-season scoring record, which stands at 38,387 points. Just a year later, he became the first player to surpass 40,000 regular-season points, further solidifying his legacy.
When it comes to career points, James is in a league of his own. The next active player, Kevin Durant, trails behind with a total of 35,191 points across both regular season and playoff games.
James is one of six Lakers players who rank among the top scorers in NBA history, joining the ranks of Abdul-Jabbar (No. 2), Karl Malone (No. 3), Kobe Bryant (No. 4), Wilt Chamberlain (No. 7), and Jerry West (No. 8).
While his status as one of the greatest players of all time is already well-established, this latest achievement adds another feather to the cap of the Akron, Ohio native. Over his illustrious career, James has secured four NBA Championships, four MVP Awards, and 13 All-NBA First Team selections. He also holds the record for the most All-Star Game selections, with a remarkable 21 appearances.
In addition to being the highest scorer in league history, James ranks among the top 10 all-time in several other categories, showcasing his all-around game and longevity in the sport.
James' journey began on October 30, 2003, when he scored his first basket in a game where he set a rookie record with 25 points in his debut. Since then, he has consistently amazed fans and lived up to his many nicknames, including "King James" and "The Chosen One."
He spent the first seven seasons of his career with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers before making a move to the Miami Heat, where he clinched his first two NBA Titles. After a successful stint, he returned to the Cavaliers in 2014, leading them to the franchise's only NBA Championship in 2016.
In 2018, James joined the Lakers, making history as the first player to win a championship with three different teams when the Lakers triumphed over the Heat in the 2020 NBA Finals.
Now in his 22nd season, which ties him for the most in NBA history, James is averaging an impressive 24.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game, proving that he continues to be a dominant force on the court.
Matthew Rodriguez is a digital producer for CBS Los Angeles. He has previously reported for local outlets like the Argonaut and Pasadena Weekly, typically covering breaking news and crime.
