In yet another testament to his longevity, dominance, and unparalleled consistency, LeBron James has made history — again.
On March 2, 2024, during a tightly contested matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets, LeBron scored the bucket that made him the first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 career regular season points. The crowd at Crypto.com Arena erupted in applause as James etched his name further into basketball immortality.
What makes this achievement extraordinary is not just the number itself, but the journey behind it. Drafted first overall in 2003, LeBron has now played 21 seasons in the league — an era that has seen the rise and fall of multiple generations of stars. And yet, at 39 years old, he’s still averaging over 25 points per game, proving that Father Time has yet to catch up with him.
A Record 20 Years in the Making
LeBron passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing scoring record (38,387 points) in February 2023, and many assumed that would be the summit. But for James, every new peak becomes another base camp. With 40,000 points now in his rearview mirror, the question isn’t whether anyone will break this record — it’s whether anyone will even come close.
Only six players in league history have crossed the 30,000-point mark, and none — not even scoring phenoms like Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry — are realistically projected to threaten 40,000 unless they match LeBron’s incredible longevity and durability.
More Than Just Scoring
While the 40K milestone cements his scoring prowess, LeBron’s greatness goes far beyond points. He’s currently top 5 all-time in assists, top 10 in steals, and owns more playoff records than anyone in league history. His ability to impact the game as a scorer, passer, leader, and floor general is unmatched.
“It’s surreal,” James said after the game. “When I started this journey as a kid from Akron, Ohio, I never dreamed about 40,000 points. I just wanted to be great and do what I love for as long as I could. I’m blessed.”
👑 The Legacy Continues
At this point in his career, LeBron is playing not just for accolades, but for legacy. He’s already a four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP, and widely considered one of the greatest — if not the greatest — player to ever pick up a basketball.
And he’s not done yet.
With his son Bronny James recently drafted by the Lakers, LeBron has the chance to become the first father-son duo to share the court in NBA history. As his story continues, so does his impact — on the league, the culture, and the game itself.
📈 Final Stat Line
- Career Points: 40,017 and counting
- Games Played: 1,475+
- Career Averages: 27.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 7.3 APG
- Milestone Game: March 2, 2024 vs. Denver Nuggets
