LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center on February 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—NBA superstar LeBron James continued to make history after he became just the third player in NBA history to surpass 35,000 points on Friday.
The four-time league MVP secured the historic scoring mark when he put up 32 points in Los Angeles’ 109-98 loss to Brooklyn.
With @KingJames becoming the 3rd player in NBA history to surpass 35,000 points, we look back at a number of his scoring milestones throughout his career! pic.twitter.com/rnFkCeF58G
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2021
As it stands, James has 35,017 points and sits at third in the all-time scoring list behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Karl Malone (36,928).
James, who’s in his 18th year in the league, is on pace to average at least 25 points a game for the 17th consecutive season of his career and the only time he had less than that mark was during his rookie year.
LeBron James is the 3rd player in NBA history to reach 35,000 career points.
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 38,387
2. Karl Malone: 36,928
3. LeBron James: 35,017 pic.twitter.com/Am57wJYP2N— NBA History (@NBAHistory) February 19, 2021
The Lakers superstar can also reach Abdul Jabbar’s mark if he continues to average at least 25 points a game across 135 matches.
James’ scoring milestone came on the same night he named starter and captain for his 17th All-Star Game, only trailing Abdul-Jabbar (19) and the late great Kobe Bryant (18) in number of appearances.