NBA World Reacts to LeBron James Becoming NBA’s All-Time Scoring Leader

The Lakers star officially surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 38-year record on Tuesday night vs. the Thunder.

LeBron James is the NBA’s all-time scoring leader after surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 39-year-old record on Tuesday night during the Lakers‘ home game against the Thunder.

The 20-year NBA vet hit a fadeaway jump shot with 10 seconds remaining in the third quarter, topping Abdul-Jabbar’s longtime previous record of 38,387 points. 

The Los Angeles crowd erupted when James made history, and the 38-year-old couldn’t hold back his emotions as he raised both arms after making the shot to acknowledge the applause.

HISTORY MADE.

(via @NBAonTNT)pic.twitter.com/XUkFP4XzxE

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 8, 2023

The game was stopped following James’s historic basket for a brief ceremony, with Abdul-Jabbar and NBA commissioner Adam Silver joining James at midcourt. James then addressed the crowd and thanked them for their support, and thanked his family and friends for their support throughout his career.

James was expected to break the record this season when he started the season just 1,326 points shy of Abdul-Jabbar’s mark. It took him until his 44th game this season to break the record.

James’s incredible feat sparked reactions from various NBA stars on social media. Here are some of the best reactions from Tuesday night.

Congrats @KingJames!

What a time. What an accomplishment. Proud of you, #ScoringKing pic.twitter.com/ZuYYUFmAsW

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 8, 2023

He really said he could be the scoring title. And went and did it. Congrats @KingJames Gotta believe it to see it.

— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) February 8, 2023

Congrats @KingJames …legendary stuff right there 🫡 #38388

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) February 8, 2023

.@KingJames lived up to the expectation of having the greatest career ever! My brother!! Cool to say I gave you few assists 🥲🔥🐐🌺

— kuz (@kylekuzma) February 8, 2023

Congratulations to LeBron for breaking the NBA all-time scoring record with 38,388 career points! 🔥👏🏾@KingJames

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 8, 2023

Unbelievable!! Congrats @KingJames

— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) February 8, 2023

One of One! Congrats bro @KingJames

— James Harden (@JHarden13) February 8, 2023

This historic moment is so special because we will never see another LeBron James. He’s always been a pass-first leader whose ability to make his teammates better is one-of-a-kind; which makes his breaking the record even more incredible!

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 8, 2023

From the 1st basket in Sac-Town to 30,000 points, we’ve seen so much of the journey to this epic milestone first-hand in Wine & Gold. @KingJames | #ScoringKing pic.twitter.com/OdYQsDUujx

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 8, 2023

Witnessed Greatness. The Blueprint is there.!
Congrats @KingJames 👊🏽🔥🖤

— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) February 8, 2023

38388 and counting… congratulations @KingJames!!

— Chris Paul (@CP3) February 8, 2023