Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most field goals made in NBA history on Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets. Cap's 15,837 makes are now second-most all-time behind the King. James keeps accomplishing feats no player has ever done, especially at his age.
Kareem averaged 10.1 points and 22.9 minutes per game as a 41-year-old. He was an All-Star, but far from the dominant presence fans saw in his peak. Michael Jordan and Dirk Nowitzki are the only two players in NBA history to score 30-plus in a game when over the age of 40 before LeBron. MJ averaged 20.0 points per game in his final season, but turned 40 in February of that year. Nobody can match what King James is doing right now.
LeBron’s longevity is seemingly impossible. No other player has played for this long at this level. James is still one of the 20 best players in his 23rd NBA season at 41 years old. Most other legends were long since retired at this stage, but James is still breaking records.
LeBron James passed Kareem for most field goals made in NBA history
This is far from King James’ first milestone. He already has the most points, minutes played, field goal attempts, and turnovers in NBA history. LeBron is the first player to appear in 23 seasons, and the records just keep falling.
There have been 16 30-point games by a 40-year-old in NBA history. King James has 11 of them, including four this season.
It is even more unbelievable that LeBron is playing over 33 minutes every night and still looks like an All-NBA player. That is not supposed to happen at 41 years old after playing more than 72,500 minutes when combining his regular-season and playoff appearances. There is no end in sight, and this is what makes LBJ the GOAT.
Coming into Thursday's game, he averaged 21.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.0 steal each night. Most players can only dream of those numbers, which makes LeBron doing it with his son in the league even more impressive.
This may be LeBron’s final season with the Lakers, but he could clearly keep playing. It is all in what King James wants to do. His farewell tour is worth millions if he desires to keep playing. LeBron deserves the flowers and could get them wearing purple and gold if he chooses.
James just broke another seemingly unbeatable record on Thursday night. He made over 600 field goals in 20 seasons and only missed doing it in 22 years because he was limited to 45 games in 2021 and 55 in 2019. That is incredible consistency that may never be matched.
The Los Angeles Lakers will never have another LeBron James. Things have not been perfect this season, but the King keeps making history. The purple and gold are on pace to make the playoffs with LeBron playing a crucial role at 41 years old. This is all just incredible, and there is no end in sight. James is truly the GOAT. Arguments otherwise look more foolish with each passing game.