Lebron James is the only player in the history of the NBA to hit 50 points in a game both before his 21st birthday and after his 35th. This shows just how long he has been at the very top of basketball.
Now, even at 37 years old, the care he has given to his body is showing and he remains one of the best players in the NBA, 19 years after starting.
Far from showing signs of decline, LeBron is enjoying a historic season in terms of his personal numbers, even if the LA Lakers’ results are leaving a lot to be desired. He seemed destined to fight for another ring, but things aren’t go to plan.
James is averaging 29.4 per game. At 37, nobody has ever done that before. The closest was Karl Malone’s 23.2. Michael Jordan didn’t play at 37, but when he returned at 38 he averaged 22.9 points per game. Even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who is synonymous with longevity, hit 22.
LeBron James and the points record
Surpassing the NBA’s leading scorer has become an obsession for LeBron, and he has his sights set on Jabbar. He’s on 36,720 points as things stand, and he could take top spot in about a year’s time if he keeps going at his current rate and injuries don’t interrupt his rhythm.
Malone is second on 36,928, while Jabbar’s record is 38,387.
“When they talk about the greatest scorers of all time, they never mention my name,” James recently said. “That makes me angry.”
LeBron James’ 56 points against Golden State Warriors
With his career average at 27.1, LeBron is the first player in history to score above his personal average in his 19th year. Of all of his years in the league, he only scored below 25 points on average in his first season, 2003/04. He only bettered his current rate three times – aged 21, 23, and 25.
