In a historic moment on Saturday night’s showcase between the Nuggets and Lakers, the 39-year-old LeBron James achieved a monumental feat, scoring his 40,000th point in the NBA. Despite the historic milestone, James expressed mixed emotions as his Lakers fell to the defending champions, describing the moment as “bittersweet.”
Scoring 26 points in the game, he reflected on being the first to accomplish such a feat in the league, acknowledging the greats who paved the way. James achieved the milestone with a driving lay-up, earning a standing ovation and a commemorative ball. However, the defeat to the Nuggets left a bitter taste, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of victory amid personal triumphs.
On the Horizon: Reigning Superstars Approaching LeBron’s Milestone
Despite LeBron James setting an NBA record with 40,000 points at age 39, Kevin Durant poses a close challenge with 38,000 points. Irrespective of Durant vying for his shot at the all-time points record, James will have added yet another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career, hitting the 40,000 points milestone as he solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
For reference, any player that wants to accomplish this feat would have to score an average of more than 20 points per game, over 82 games and over 20 seasons. That’s assuming they never missed a game, which is next to impossible.
The Man of Many Accolades: A Career to Be Remembered
When all is said and done, LeBron James will be remembered for numerous accomplishments, notably as the first NBA player to be crowned a 20-time All-Star.
Keep in mind, that James is poised to continue playing for another season, possibly two or even more. If he maintains this trajectory, reaching 43,000 or even 44,000 points by the end of his career seems entirely plausible. This would further distance the record, making it even more challenging for future players to surpass.
