Nowitzki says LeBron can catch Kareem

PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

German NBA star Dirk Nowitzki says he sees no reason why LeBron James can’t finish up as the greatest scorer in NBA history.

“If he stays healthy, the way he’s looking and moving, he has a chance at Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar),” Nowitzki told American sports broadcaster ESPN. 

“His numbers have been unbelievable. He doesn’t seem to slow down. The stuff he was doing last year in year 15 was incredible. If he keeps this up, he can pass Kareem.”

Abdul-Jabbar scored a total of 38,387 points.

James finished with 35 points against the San Antonio Spurs to pass Nowitzki for sixth place on the all-time scoring list Saturday and became the game’s active overall points leader. He needed 21 points to surpass Nowitzki and now has a total of 31,202 points. 

James recorded his 21st point on a 17-foot jumper from the right side with 7:51 left in the third quarter of a 110-106 loss to the Spurs. 

He also passed Shaquille O’Neal for sixth on the all-time field goals list in the third quarter. In his 19-year career, O’Neal finished with 11,330.