Los Angeles Lakers talisman LeBron James needed 36 points to leapfrog the tally of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when he entered the Crypto.com arena on Tuesday night for the match against Oklahoma City Thunder. James went on to score 38 points for the Lakers and wrote his name in the history books.
In fact, James has never been praised for his scoring abilities but he has always delivered for the teams he has played. He became the fastest to 10,000 points in the history of the NBA and has always kept improving his game to reach the top echelons of the game.
Furthermore, James scored 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals on a record-breaking night but his efforts went in vain as the Lakers lost 133-130.
“I write ‘The Man In The Arena’ on my shoe every single night from Theodore Roosevelt,” James said afterward. “Tonight, I actually felt like I was sitting on top of the arena when that shot went in, and the roar from the crowd. I’m not sure if I would be able to feel that feeling again, unless it’s a game-winning Finals shot.
James revealed it was an emotional moment for him when he surpassed Kareem’s tally.
“Everything just stopped. It gave me an opportunity to embrace it and look around and seeing my family, the fans, and my friends. It was pretty cool. I probably can count on my hands how many times I have cried in 20 years, either in happiness or in defeat. So that moment was one of them when I kind of teared up a little bit. It was ‘I can’t believe what’s going on’ tears.”
Photographers crowded James after the record-breaking basket as the game was halted for 10 minutes for the ceremony. NBA commissioner Adam Silver congratulated James.
“A record that has stood for nearly 40 years,” Silver said. “Many people thought it would never be broken. LeBron, you are the NBA’s all-time scoring leader. Congratulations.”
James gave his gratitude to the Lakers fans for their unwavering support.
“I just want to say, thank you to the Laker faithful. You guys are one of a kind,” James told the fans.
“To be able to be in the presence of such a legend and great as Kareem, it’s very humbling. Please give a standing ovation to The Captain, please.”
The Lakers will next face Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.
