Feb 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) celebrates former Lakers player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after breaking the record for all-time scoring in the NBA during the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

nba

On This Day: LeBron James breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record

On February 7, 2023, Lakers star LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career NBA scoring record.

LeBron James creating history and breaking record has become a common norm. Last night (Feb 6, 2025), LeBron became the first player in the Lakers history to have 40+ points, 15+ rebounds and 5+ three pointers in Lakers win over Warriors. He joined NBA legend Michael Jordan as the only players to score 40+ points at the age of 40.

But February 7th, 2023 will always stand out. This date marks the day LeBron cemented his legendary status forever. On this day, he broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career NBA scoring record.

Kareem had held the record for decades. He surpassed Wilt Chamberlain’s record on April 5, 1984, more than eight months before LeBron was born. But 19 years later, a young boy from Ohio would change the game forever, setting a new benchmark that many thought would never be broken.

It was a Lakers vs. Thunder game, and LeBron only needed 36 points to surpass Abdul-Jabbar. In the third quarter, with 10.9 seconds remaining, LeBron made a 21-foot turnaround jumper. That basket gave him 36 points for the game, and 38,388 points for his career.

After the historic achievement, LeBron shared his emotions: “I would never ever in a million years dreamt this even better than what it is tonight.”

Also Read:
Luka Doncic trade: When will Luka Doncic make his Lakers debut? Latest update on former Mavericks star’s NBA return
“I’m gonna miss him” – Steve Kerr reveals heartache over Andrew Wiggins trade to Miami Heat
Miami Heat stars learn about teammate Jimmy Butler’s trade via fan in stands during 76ers clash

LeBron, who is in 22nd NBA season, has now 41,599 career points and he hasn’t shown any sign of slowing down. LeBron James has averaged 24.0 points, 9.1 assists and 7.6 rebounds in 44 games this season and will be playing his 21st All-Star game next week.

Kareem Abdul Jabbar

LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers

Swati Bhatia

nba

mlb

wnba

I work as a content strategist, specializing in creating engaging content about the NBA, WNBA, and MLB. My main focus is on writing breaking news updates, research-based articles, and covering trending topics. Right now, I’m leading the content team for the NBA, WNBA, and MLB categories at Playoffs English.