LeBron James Makes History by Reaching 50,000 Career Points
LeBron James, the basketball legend, has once again cemented his name in the annals of NBA history. At 40 years old, James has become the first player to reach 50,000 points across both the regular season and playoffs. This milestone is a testament to his unparalleled longevity, consistency, and dedication to the sport. Known for his selfless playmaking ability, James has always prioritized setting up his teammates over scoring himself. However, his ability to score when needed has led him to this historic achievement. During a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 5, 2025, James drilled a 3-pointer from the left wing, off a pass from Luka Dončić, to push his total to 50,002 points. The crowd erupted in ovation during the next timeout, celebrating this incredible feat.
A Career Marked by Milestones
LeBron James’ journey to 50,000 points is just one of many milestones in a career filled with records and accolades. From his first NBA basket to becoming the all-time leading scorer in both regular season and playoff history, James has consistently redefined what is possible in basketball. His first NBA basket came on October 29, 2003, when he was just 18 years old. James, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, made a 16-foot pull-up jumper in a game against the Sacramento Kings. This moment set the stage for a career that would be filled with countless achievements. James often reflects on his early days, admitting he was nervous but thrilled to see his hard work paying off.
The Journey to 10,000 Points and Beyond
LeBron James reached his first major scoring milestone on February 27, 2008, when he became the youngest player in NBA history to score 10,000 points in the regular season. Despite injuring his ankle in the first half, James returned to the game and dunked over Kevin Garnett to reach the milestone. Although the Cleveland Cavaliers lost the game to the Boston Celtics, James expressed pride in the achievement, attributing it to the support of his teammates and family. This milestone was just the beginning, as James continued to break barriers throughout his career. On January 16, 2013, he became the youngest player to reach 20,000 points, further solidifying his place among the all-time greats.
Breaking Records and Defying Expectations
One of LeBron James’ most significant achievements came on February 7, 2023, when he broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time regular-season scoring record. With a stepback jumper over Oklahoma City’s Kenrich Williams, James surpassed Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points, which had stood for nearly four decades. The moment was celebrated with a brief ceremony, attended by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Abdul-Jabbar himself, and James’ family. James later reflected on the milestone, stating that he felt in rhythm and comfortable with his patented fadeaway shot. This achievement, along with others, has made James the face of consistency and excellence in the NBA.
A Legacy of Excellence and Longevity
LeBron James’ ability to maintain an elite level of performance well into his 30s and 40s is a rare feat in sports. On January 23, 2018, he became the seventh player in NBA history to reach 30,000 regular-season points. James achieved this milestone with a jumper in the first quarter of a game against the San Antonio Spurs. At 33 years old, he was the youngest player to reach this mark. On March 2, 2024, he made history again by becoming the first player to reach 40,000 regular-season points. Despite the loss to the Denver Nuggets, James acknowledged the significance of the milestone, calling it "pretty cool" to be the first to achieve something in a league filled with legendary players.
The King’s Enduring Legacy
LeBron James’ career is a story of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering passion for the game of basketball. From his first NBA basket to becoming the first player to score 50,000 points across the regular season and playoffs, James has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. His legacy extends beyond his on-court achievements, as he has inspired countless young players and fans around the world. As James continues to play at an elite level, he reminds us that with dedication and perseverance, anything is achievable. LeBron James is not just a basketball player; he is a legend, a icon, and a testament to the power of human potential.
