The Los Angeles Lakers became the second team in NBA history to win three consecutive titles after defeating the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James says he is just happy with his career and that it’s an honor to pass Karl Malone on all-time scoring list.
“It’s an honor” to pass Karl Malone on the all-time scoring list for the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James. Read more in detail here: nba all-time scoring list.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WASHINGTON, D.C. — It seemed only natural that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James surpass Karl Malone as the NBA’s second all-time greatest scorer by cutting to the basket, collecting a pass, and scoring on an uncontested driving layup, like “The Mailman” did thousands of times.
At the 5:20 mark of the second quarter against the Washington Wizards, James passed Malone, the Hall of Famer and former Utah Jazz great who scored 36,928 points. He needed 20 points to overtake Malone, who had gotten so many of his baskets off of John Stockton’s assists.
Despite James’ 38 points, ten rebounds, and six assists, the Wizards ruined the Lakers’ night by rallying from a 16-point hole to defeat the Lakers 127-119.
He currently has 36,947 points, second only to former Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in career scoring. Jabbar holds the record with 38,387 points.
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“I’m always at a loss for words for being a member of this league for the many years I’ve been a part of it, and being associated to some of the finest who’ve ever played this game and men I’ve ever watched, studied, read about, or desired to be like,” James said. “To be able to enjoy these moments along this trip is an honor for myself, for my community, for my family and friends, and that’s precisely why I do it.”
Stanley Johnson assisted James on the game-winning shot. The sellout audience of 20,476 at the Capital One Arena couldn’t give James a standing ovation for his historic achievement until the following play, when he was penalized for a foul 14 seconds later.
James, 37, extended his arm in acknowledgement and thankfulness.
“I’m still in amazement to be around him when he’s still doing what he’s doing at such a high level,” said teammate Carmelo Anthony, who entered the league in the same draft class as James and is presently ranked ninth all-time in scoring. “Especially coming from someone who was not, as they say, “renowned” for scoring. Now to have the opportunity to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, someone who has done it for 19 seasons at an all-time high, and someone who has just enjoyed the situation. He’s been doing it his whole life.”
Anthony said, ” “‘Ain’t nobody catching Karl Malone,’ I used to think when I was younger. Nobody is going to catch Kareem.’”
James, on the other hand, says he won’t consider following Abdul-Jabbar until the record falls to him.
“I’m not going to think about it,” James said. “I’ve always just gone out and played the game the way I’ve always played it, and these things have simply occurred naturally by just going out and playing the game the way I’ve always played it. Trying to win every game, playing the game correctly, playing for your teammates, and other similar things.”
“So I want to achieve it at some time in my career,” he said, “but I won’t worry about it too much until we get there hopefully.”
After playing 45 minutes in an overtime triumph in Toronto on Friday night, there was considerable doubt about whether James would play Saturday night. James, on the other hand, tested his knee before the game and was named to the starting lineup not long before the game.
On Friday night, James was asked whether he finds any parallels between himself and Malone, who was recognized for his longevity and athleticism, much like James.
“Without a doubt,” James said. “Guys who spent the most of their careers simply taking care of their bodies and always wanted to be accessible to their teammates. For you, the most essential leadership [trait] is to strive to be accessible on the floor as often as possible. I believe both myself and him have always just wanted to remain in uniform, make plays, and keep in shape in order to stay healthy, injury-free, and effective on the field. So, yes, definitely.”
LeBron James had a career night, scoring 50 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the Lakers’ 122-120 win over the Houston Rockets. James passed Karl Malone on all-time scoring list with 31,419 points. Reference: lakers game score.
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