What’s Next For LeBron James After Breaking a 39-Year Record?
When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar overtook Wilt Chamberlain on the NBA’s all-time scoring list in 1984, many current fans weren’t even born yet. 39 years later, Abdul-Jababr’s record is no more- something many believed they wouldn’t see in their lifetime.
In Kareem’s case, it took the six-time NBA champion 15 straight seasons of averaging 21 points per game before eclipsing Wilt’s record of 31,419 points. The Lakers legend finished with career averages of 24.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, two blocks, and 55.9% field goal shooting across 1560 regular-season games.
James managed to eclipse his total by averaging 27.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 50.5% field goal shooting in 1409 regular season games.
On Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he finally reached the summit with a fadeaway just before the end of the third quarter. And although the Lakers ultimately lost the game 133-130, LeBron’s 38pts puts him at 38,390 points and counting.
What’s Next for LeBron’s Majestic Career?
Now that the 38-year-old forward has broken what was once considered an unbreakable record, one can’t help but wonder what other hallowed marks he could shatter before he calls it a career.
Following Tuesday’s game, LeBron has played 1,410 regular-season games and 53,741 minutes. Both rank third all-time behind Kareem and Karl Malone. The King is also closing on Kareem’s record of 15,837 field goals made with 14,053.
In the assists department, LeBron sits in fourth place with 10,354 dimes to his credit, and sits in fourth place in free throws made (8,047)- closing in on Kobe Bryant. Since joining LA, in his last 4 full seasons, the Akron, OH native has averaged 459 assists and 377 made free throws.
If he were to keep up that pace, he would need another 4.62 seasons to eclipse Karl Malone’s all time made free throws mark, and another 11.9 campaigns to pass John Stockton’s mark. Not exactly guarantees to happen at this point. However he’d only require another 3.78 seasons to surpass Jason Kidd for 2nd All-Time in that department.
James is currently averaging 30 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 50.5% field goal shooting in the 2022-2023 season. If he keeps playing like this, he could break more records in the next two to three seasons if he can remain healthy.
GOAT Debate
While it’s jaw dropping for fans to see LeBron continuing to produce at such a high level at age 38, it hasn’t stopped the debate as to whether or not LeBron James should be considered the greatest player of all time in basketball circles.
Greatest scorer of all time? If you ask JJ Redick the answer is probably yes. But, to say LeBron is the greatest of all time because he became the all-time scoring leader would be an injustice to the icons of the game that came before him. He may be the greatest scorer the game has seen but many continue to believe he hasn’t accumulated enough accolades to back him up in the GOAT conversation.
The fact that he’s 4-6 in the NBA Finals has fans frothing at the mouth when his name is brought up as the GOAT. Sure, he went to the NBA Finals for eight straight years (2011-2018). Sure, he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the most remarkable comeback in NBA Finals history. And granted, he recently became the first and only player to accumulate 10,000 points, rebounds, and assists.
But despite all of those mind-blowing numbers and achievements, LeBron James remains one of the most hotly debated players in NBA history. There are arguments LeBron chose to form superteams and play the role of a general manager which led to disastrous trades- especially with his ongoing stint in Hollywood.
However, regardless of what you think about LeBron James’ legacy, we need to accept one thing: He’s a once-in-a-lifetime player and deserves the respect he’s earned for his exploits both on and off the court.
-Iggy Gonzales
Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.