Los Angeles, CA – On Tuesday night, LeBron James, the 40-year-old superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers, made history by becoming the first NBA player to reach 50,000 combined points in his career, spanning both the regular season and postseason. The milestone was achieved in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, with James hitting a 3-pointer on his first shot of the night.
Having dominated the league for over two decades, James holds the record for the most points scored in both regular-season and postseason games. With 41,837 points in the regular season and 8,162 in the playoffs before Tuesday’s game, James has solidified his place in NBA history as one of the greatest scorers of all time.
Despite turning 40, James continues to excel on the court, averaging an impressive 26.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in the 27 games since reaching this milestone. His performance this season has led to him being named the Western Conference Player of the Month for February, showcasing his ongoing impact on the Lakers’ success.
Throughout his career, James has consistently demonstrated his ability to elevate his game and make significant contributions to his team’s performance. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James for his exceptional play on both ends of the court, emphasizing the vital role he plays in the team’s success.
While celebrating James’ historic achievement, Redick also highlighted discrepancies in the NBA’s recording of points scored in recent playoff games and tournament matchups. Redick argued that James’ points from these games should be included in his career totals, pointing to the significance of such performances in determining a player’s overall impact in the postseason.
As James continues to defy expectations and set new records, his legacy in the NBA only continues to grow, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court. With each milestone reached, James cements his place in basketball history, leaving a lasting impact on the game and inspiring future generations of players.