In a night that instantly became part of NBA lore, LeBron James continued to rewrite the league’s record books, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the all-time leader in career field goals made during the Los Angeles Lakers‘ game against the Denver Nuggets.
What might have been a footnote even a decade ago has now taken center stage in James‘s unprecedented 23rd professional season.
The moment came early in Thursday’s matchup at Ball Arena, when James knocked down a turnaround jumper, his third of the night, to move past Abdul-Jabbar‘s longstanding mark of 15,837 field goals.
The milestone, earned over more than two decades of play, stands as another testament to James‘s durability and consistent excellence.
Nearly four decades earlier, Kareem set that record during his storied 20-year career, one that included six MVP awards and 19 All-Star selections.
At the time, his combination of mastery in the low post and longevity had made that feat seem untouchable.
Magic Johnson, the Lakers Hall of Famer who shared a dynasty with Abdul-Jabbar in the 1980s, was among the first NBA greats to publicly acknowledge James‘s accomplishment. On X, Johnson wrote:
“I want to congratulate Lakers legend and superstar LeBron James on becoming the all-time leader for field goals made in NBA history, passing my Showtime Lakers teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar !”
For fans who might not remember Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar ‘s partnership, “Showtime” basketball was defined by fast breaks, precision passing, and championship success.
Between 1979 and 1988, they helped the Lakers reach eight NBA Finals and capture five titles, weaving a legacy still celebrated today.
But the Lakers‘ history of excellence didn’t make James‘s feat any less remarkable. Already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and playground of countless career milestones, the 41-year-old James has carved out a career that consistently pushes boundaries.
In addition to his scoring exploits, he holds multiple longevity marks and remains a central figure in Lakers lore even as the franchise evolves around him.
Breaking one of the game’s oldest marks
James‘s ascent up the NBA leaderboard has been a slow-burning story for years. After already shattering Abdul-Jabbar‘s scoring record in February 2023, he continued to chip away at other all-time lists, eventually edging closer to the fieldgoals mark.
The difference between scoring total and field goals made highlights how different eras produce different statistical paths.
Abdul-Jabbar played in a period before the three-point revolution reshaped NBA offense, whereas James‘s career has spanned multiple evolutions of pace, spacing, and shot selection.
The Lakers icon has remained highly productive into his 40s, defying conventional expectations about professional basketball longevity while adapting his game to maximize impact.
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