LeBron James Says He Plans to Play ‘at Least a Few More Years’

He was asked whether the chase of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record was weighing on him.

While Tom Brady’s NFL career may be over, LeBron James is still going strong, and has no plans of stepping away anytime soon. He confirmed as much on Tuesday night, when asked about his pursuit of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record.

Abdul-Jabbar, another Lakers legend, finished his career with 38,387 points, a mark that seemed unreachable for years. James entered the season at 37,062, and the 38-year-old continues to play at an elite level. After a 28-point effort in the team’s 129–123 win at the Knicks on Tuesday, he now sits at 38,299, just 89 points short of the league record. 

If James’s retirement was imminent, he might feel some serious pressure to pass Abdul-Jabbar. However, he doesn’t think he’s anywhere near the finish line, and said as much during the post-game press conference when asked whether he is feeling the weight of the record with it being within reach. 

LeBron James Scoring Record Tracker: How to Watch His Pursuit of NBA’s All-Time Points Title

“It’s not getting heavier,” he said. “I’m going to do it. I mean, it’s just a matter of time when I’m going to do it. It’s not heavy. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be in this league for at least a few more years. So I’m going to do it, it’s not heavy at all. 

LeBron James on chasing the NBA’s all-time scoring record: “I’m going to do it. It’s just a matter of time when I’m going to do it. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be in this league for at least a few more years.” pic.twitter.com/kIPmDFwF0F

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 1, 2023

The scoring chase was not the only significant statistical mark in the news after the Lakers’ win. With 11 assists in his first triple-double of the year, James passed Mark Jackson and Steve Nash on the all-time assists list, taking the No. 4 spot in NBA history.

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With 10,338 assists in his career, James trails John Stockton (15,806), Jason Kidd (12,091) and his friend and fellow active player Chris Paul (11,246) in that category.

James and the Lakers are back in action on Thursday at the Pacers. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET. At his current season scoring average of 30.2 points per game, James is on pace to pass Abdul-Jabbar next Tuesday at home vs. the Thunder.