LeBron James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in February 2023, breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points. He hit the 40,000-point milestone on Saturday.
As one of the greatest basketball players in history, LeBron is also among the world’s most recognizable athletes. Over his 21-year career, he has won four NBA titles, most recently with the Los Angeles Lakers, in addition to titles with the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Moreover, in addition to holding the title of the NBA’s all-time scoring king, James is also fourth all-time in assists and eighth in steals.
Early Life and Career
James was born in Akron, Ohio, on December 30, 1984. He is 6 months old, he said, in this photo he posted to Instagram for his 35th birthday.A young James plays on a toy basketball hoop at Christmas time. “I guess I was kinda born to do this,” he said on Instagram.
High School Success
James poses with some of his teammates at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School during his freshman year.James throws down a dunk during a game in Trenton, New Jersey, in February 2003. James was just a junior in high school when he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated as “The Chosen One.”
Transition to the NBA
James shakes hands with NBA star Michael Jordan after Jordan played a game in Cleveland in April 2003. James chose the number 23 because of Jordan.James goes up for a layup during his NBA debut on October 29, 2003. He scored 25 points in a loss at Sacramento.
International Acclaim
James played on the US Olympic basketball team in August 2004, but it ended with a disappointing bronze medal. He would be back.James, center, goes up for a rebound with Tim Duncan during the 2006 NBA All-Star Game. He was named the game’s most valuable player — the youngest to ever receive the award.
NBA Titles and Recognition
James celebrates with teammates after the Heat won the 2012 NBA Finals. He is holding the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy and the Bill Russell Finals MVP Award.James addresses a crowd at the grand opening of his “I Promise” school in Akron in July 2018. The school supports at-risk children.
Recent Achievements
James breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record of 38,387 points during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 7, 2023.James scores his 40,000th career point during a game against the Denver Nuggets on March 2, 2024. He is the first player in NBA history to accomplish this milestone.
