LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores on a free throw to ... [+] record his 34,000th career point, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone as the only players to hit the mark during the game against Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center on March 6, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesIt is only a matter of time now, a question of when, not if.
After pouring in 48 points in Monday’s win over the Houston Rockets, LeBron James needs just 316 points to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA’s all-time scoring record.
Kareem poured in 38,387 in his storied career, and LeBron now stands at 38,072.
James, who turned 38 on Dec. 30, is averaging 29.7 points per game. Since his 38th birthday, he’s amped it up to 37 points per game while trying to lead the Lakers (20-24) toward the playoffs, or at least the Play-in Tournament.
At the pace of 29.7 points per game, he needs 11 games to pass Kareem. That would mean he would break the mark on Feb. 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. If he is ahead of schedule, and closer to an average of 37 points per game, it could occur Feb. 4 in New Orleans against Zion Williamson and the Pelicans. If not, it could happen Feb. 9 against the Milwaukee Bucks in Los Angeles.
Obviously, it would be ideal for James if he breaks the record at home in Los Angeles, where Kareem starred with the Showtime Lakers.
“I think he can be celebrated appropriately if he breaks that record in L.A.” NBA veteran Antonio Daniels said Tuesday on SiriusXM NBA radio.
Daniels reflected on LeBron’s evolution from high school phenom to NBA legend during a career in which he has served as a role model for generations while avoiding any major scandals or injuries.
“I remember thinking there’s no way possible LeBron can live up to this hype,” he said. “I remember thinking that, seriously. As a junior and senior in high school and he was on ESPN, and they were talking about he’s the greatest recruit ever.
“And here we sit today in 2023, some 20 years in, and he’s averaging almost 30 points a game and him legitimately in the GOAT
GOAT
conversation, a young man from Akron, St. Vincent-St. Mary’s.
“What a fantastic story this is, not just for LeBron, but for his legacy and for the NBA as a whole.”
Abdul-Jabbar has held the record since April 5, 1984 — nearly nine months to the day before James was born.
While Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook was his signature shot, James has never had one shot that defines him.
“It's not like I have a signature one-leg Dirk [Nowitzki] fadeaway or a patented Michael Jordan fadeaway or a Kareem skyhook or a [Hakeem Olajuwon] Dream Shake," James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I think the only signature thing that people always talk about is my signature tomahawk dunk in transition.”
Jamesstill knows how to score in crunch time, too. He currently leads the league in 4th-quarter scoring with 284 even with 10 missed games due to injury.
"I mean, I know how to put the ball in the hole," James told ESPN. "When I say I'm not a scorer, I say it in a sense of, it's never been the part of my game that defines me. ... But there's an argument to it. When you look at how long this record has stood and the great Kareem, being able to accomplish something like that.
“But it won't be for me to discuss because I've never felt that way.”
Adam Zagoria, Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamzagoria/2023/01/17/when-will-lebron-james-break-kareem-abdul-jabbars-scoring-record/
By: Adam Zagoria, Contributor
Title: When Will LeBron James Break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Scoring Record?
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/adamzagoria/2023/01/17/when-will-lebron-james-break-kareem-abdul-jabbars-scoring-record/
Published Date: 01-18-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NBA players make?
The average salary in the NBA for the 2021-2022 season is $7.3 million. This figure is calculated using the maximum salary limit of $134million that was set for this year. However, the salaries of individual players can vary depending upon their experiences and achievements.
Kevin Durant and LeBron Jones are both superstars who can make up to $40m a year. However, rookies could only make $898,310. Based on years of experience, veteran players might be eligible for mid-level exception salary ranges from $4.76million to $9.258m. Players may also be eligible for bonuses and other incentives based on their performance or team success.
How much does a NBA ref make?
Referees in the National Basketball Association (NBA) are paid competitive salaries for their officiating duties. The average NBA referee is paid between $150,000-550,000 per year. The salary range is affected by referee experience. Referees with more experience earn higher salaries. Referees in the playoffs and Finals receive higher salaries than referees with additional roles such training new refs or working within the video review department. Many NBA refs earn income through endorsements and royalty payments from television broadcasts or other media outlets. A job as a referee in the NBA is highly lucrative. If one is willing and able to put in the effort, it can be a steady source of income.
Apart from a salary, NBA referees receive retirement plans and health insurance. Referees can enjoy a healthy lifestyle while officiating games. They also make crucial calls that could impact the outcome of a game's outcome. Refs also often receive subsidized accommodations, meals, and travel to away games. This can be a comforting factor for referees who strive to achieve perfection on the courts.
NBA referees are paid a fair salary for their hard work. While it can be exhausting, the job offers referees a rewarding opportunity to make an impact on basketball.
Which NBA player is the leading scorer now?
The answer to this question is subjective, as different players have different styles of play that make them unique and successful. Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Stephen Curry are all popular choices for NBA's most dominant scorer.
Kevin Durant is more than a shooting star. He's also an offensive powerhouse! He has two NBA Championships and two Finals MVPs under his belt, as well as a regular season MVP title. This player is serious.
Which team is the most successful in NBA basketball?
The answer to this question can be subjective and will likely remain a topic of debate for years. Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics have the most NBA titles with 17, while the Boston Celtics has 17. Chicago Bulls' glory years were in the 1990s under Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson. The San Antonio Spurs have won five titles since 1999. In the same decade, the Golden State Warriors has won four. Other notable NBA teams include: the Philadelphia 76ers in 1980, the Kobe Shaq Lakers from 2000s, LeBron James's Miami Heat squad that won back–to-back championships (2012) and 2013.
Who holds the record for most career playoff wins in the NBA?
With LeBron James leading the way, racking up an impressive 174 wins in NBA Playoffs history and 266 games played, it's no wonder he is one of the most sought-after basketball players today.
Which is the greatest NBA dynasty?
This topic is hotly debated and has been talked about for decades. The "showtime Lakers of 80-1989" dominated this league for almost a decade, winning five championships. During this period, the Lakers featured stars such as James Worthy (Byron Scott), and Kurt Rambis.
From 200 to 2004, the Los Angeles Lakers, later called the Shaw and Kobe Lakers became a force to reckon with. They were defended by Shaquille and Kobe Bryant, both Hall of Famers. They won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002.
The Chicago Bulls of 1995-1996 were also a dominant force in that era. They won six championships with Phil Jackson as their head coach and were led by Michael Jordan, widely considered the greatest player of our time. The Chico Bulls from 1995-1996 are among the most storied teams in NBA history. They won their first of three consecutive NBA titles and set a new record with 72 wins. The Bulls' 1972-10 regular season record was broken in 2015-2016 by the Golden State Warriors.
The Boston Celtics of the 1960s are perhaps the most famed dynasty in the history of the NBA, winning eight consecutive championships and 11 titles in 13 years under Hall of Fame head coach Red Auerbach. Legendary players Bill Russell, Bob Cousys, John Havliceks, Sam Jones and John Havlicek helped to create a winning culture which has been unmatched in decades.
The San Antonio Spurs are also a top contender for the best NBA dynasty. The Spurs have won four championships since 1999 and enjoyed one of the most successful runs in NBA history. Gregg Popovich, Tony Parker, Manu and Manu Ginobili, all future Hall of Famers, helped improve the team's basketball style, emphasizing a team first mentality that led to their success.
The Golden State Warriors are one team that has won four NBA championships, making them one of the most successful in NBA history. They are led by superstar players Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and head coach Steve Kerr. The Warriors have an exciting brand and style of basketball that has excited fans all around the world.
It is difficult to choose one team to be the greatest NBA dynasty. Each team had their own set of coaches and players that made them great, but certain teams stood out because of their dominance. The Lakers, Bulls Bulls Celtics Spurs and Warriors could all be considered the greatest NBA family.
Statistics
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Between 2012 and 2019, the league lost 40 to 45 percent of its viewership. (en.wikipedia.org)
- As of 2014, 45 percent of its viewers were black, while 40 percent were white, making it the only top North American sport that does not have a white majority audience.[102]As of 2017Democrats than Republicans.[103]Outside (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
bleacherreport.com
- Which NBA Teams will Join the Victor Wembanyama Teamathon?
- News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
si.com
sbnation.com
How To
How do you play NBA fantasy sports?
NBA fantasy is an excellent way to stay connected with your favourite players and teams all season. To play, you will need to locate a NBA fantasy draft platform, such as ESPN, Yahoo Sports or CBS Sports. After you sign up and join a league, your team of NBA players can be chosen.
Once you've established your team, you will be able track each player's stats as well as how they contribute towards your overall score during the season. You can modify your line-up at anytime to improve the results of your team. As the season progresses, you'll need to stay on top of player trades, injuries, and suspensions to stay competitive. At the end, you can see how your team did compared with other teams in the league.
NBA fantasy can make the NBA season more interesting for you, your family, and friends. Why not give it another shot? Good luck with building your team and may the best teams win!
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