By becoming the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, LeBron James has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His total of 38,387 points is more than the previous record established by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a forward who achieved that mark in 1989.

With the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles, James set the mark in the 20th season of his legendary career. A 21-foot jumper made by the Los Angeles Lakers great late in the third quarter on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder sent him over the 38,387-point mark, previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

In comparison to the 1,560 games it took Abdul-Jabbar to reach that mark, James reached that milestone in little more than 1,400 games played. Michael Jordan’s 30.1 points per game are the most ever in NBA history. James’ 27.1 places him seventh all-time, second only to Kevin Durant among currently active players (27.3).

LeBron James’ NBA career highlights and awards

  • 4× NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
  • 4× NBA Finals MVP (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
  • 4× NBA Most Valuable Player (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
  • 19× NBA All-Star (2005–2023)
  • 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2006, 2008, 2018)
  • 13× All-NBA First Team (2006, 2008–2018, 2020)
  • 3× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2007, 2021)
  • 2× All-NBA Third Team (2019, 2022)
  • 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009–2013)
  • NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014)
  • NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)
  • NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
  • NBA scoring champion (2008)
  • NBA assists leader (2020)
  • NBA all-time leading scorer
  • NBA 75th Anniversary Team
  • 4× AP Athlete of the Year (2013, 2016, 2018, 2020)
  • 3× Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2012, 2016, 2020)
  • Time Athlete of the Year (2020)
  • USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2012)