Tracking LeBron James' pursuit of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA career scoring record
Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James tosses powder before the team's NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Credit: AP/Jae C. Hong
A look at LeBron James’ pursuit of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA’s scoring record. Abdul-Jabbar has held the record since April 5, 1984:
Abdul-Jabbar points: 38,387.
James points: 38,104.
Difference: 283 points.
James’ latest game: He scored 32 points Wednesday in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 116-111 loss to Sacramento.
James’ scoring average this season: 29.8.
Potential record-breaker: At his current rate of 29.8 points per game, with 284 points needed to pass Abdul-Jabbar, it would take James 10 more games to become the NBA’s scoring leader. Assuming he does not miss any games, that makes the potential record-breaking game Feb. 7 at home against Oklahoma City.
Next Lakers game: Friday at home against Memphis.
