March 3rd 2024.
On March 2nd, during a game against the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James added yet another milestone to his impressive Hall-of-Fame career. With a driving layup in the second quarter, he became the first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 points, a testament to his longevity and consistent performance over his 21 years in the league.
After the game, James spoke to reporters about how he feels about his game at this point in his career. "I still feel like a threat out on the floor," he said. "I can still do the things I was doing 10 years ago, and even some things I was doing 20 years ago, which is pretty surreal to say."
The sports world erupted in congratulations, with ESPN and Earvin "Magic" Johnson both acknowledging James' incredible achievement on social media. And it's no surprise that James himself was well aware of the significance of this milestone, even before reaching it.
"No one has ever done it," James said during a press conference just days before breaking the record. "And for me to be in this position in my career, it's pretty cool. Is it the most important thing I've accomplished? No. But does it mean something to me? Absolutely. Why wouldn't it? To achieve things in this league, with some of the greatest players of all time, has always been a dream of mine. And to reach these milestones and set records along the way, they all hold a special place in my heart."
In an op-ed for The Athletic, writer Sam Amick suggests that this latest accomplishment may shift the ongoing debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in the NBA. While names like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell are often brought up in comparison to James, none of them have reached the 40,000-point mark or continued to perform at such a high level this late in their careers.
According to The Athletic, James' current season averages of 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, along with his shooting percentages of 52.3% from the field, 40.3% from three-point range, and 73.6% from the free-throw line, are unprecedented for a player in their 21st season. In fact, the previous high for a player in this stage of their career was Vince Carter, who averaged just 7.9 points per game in a significantly reduced role.
Before the game, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham reminded fans to appreciate what they are witnessing with James, regardless of what it means for larger conversations about his legacy. "Nothing amazes me anymore with that guy," Ham said. "We've just come to expect these incredible things from him. But it's important to realize that we won't see this for much longer. We have to appreciate him while he's still here. Despite all the comparisons to other players, past and present, let's just appreciate him for the impact he's had on the game, his incredible performance, and his knowledge of the sport. I feel honored to coach him and witness his greatness firsthand."
As for James himself, he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. "I never thought about breaking the scoring record," he admitted. "It just happened naturally. I always played the game the right way, and the scoring record just came with it. It was never a goal of mine when I entered the league. But as long as my body allows me, I will continue to put the ball in the basket. It's just what I do. And it's an honor to be in the same conversation as some of the greatest scorers in NBA history."
On a related note, James also spoke about his legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers, as he continues to make his mark on the franchise. It's clear that, for James, his impact on the game and his team is what truly matters, and his record-breaking scoring achievement is just another testament to his unwavering dedication and skill.
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