39-Year-Old NBA All-Time Scoring Record Smashed By LeBron James

LeBron James has become the most prolific scorer in NBA history, eclipsing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 39-year-old record.

The Los Angeles Lakers Star passed Abdul-Jabbar's total 38,387 points after nailing a 21-foot shot late in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.

James, who was born eight months before Abdul-Jabbar initially broke the scoring record in April 1984, finished the match with a career total of 38,390.

The new NBA all-time scoring record was a remarkable feat for the 38-year-old who flung his arms aloft in celebration while 75-year-old Abdul-Jabbar who was sitting court-side stood and applauded.

"The King wears the crown!" pic.twitter.com/k9pqmYeoeT

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 8, 2023

“To be able to be in the presence of a legend as great as Kareem, it means so much to me,” said an emotional James to the crowd during a brief break in play for a ceremony to mark the achievement.

"Everybody that has ever been a part of this run with me the last 20-plus years, I want to say thank you so much because I wouldn't be me without all of you.

"You all helped. Your passion and sacrifices helped me to get to this point," he said.

James also paid tribute to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and his predecessor, the late David Stern.

"And to the NBA to Adam Silver, to the late great David Stern, thank you very much for allowing me to be a part of something I always dreamed about.

"And I would never in a million years dreamt this to be even better than what it is tonight."

Abdul-Jabbar who retired in 1989 paid his tribute to James after ceremoniously handing over the ball to the Lakers star to recognise his new record.

"I thought it had every chance of being broken. It just had to have someone that the offence focused on continually," said Abdul-Jabbar in front of a cheering crowd that included tennis legend, John McEnroe, music stars Jay-Z, LL Cool J and Bad Bunny, boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr and actor Denzel Washington.

Kareem performing the ceremonial passing of the torch

"LeBron's career is one of someone who planned to dominate this game.

"You have to give him credit for just the way he played and for the way he's lasted and dominated."

While Abdul-Jabbar played in the NBA for 20 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and Lakers, during which he won six titles, six regular season MVP crowns and was named finals MVP twice, four-time NBA champion James is in his 20th season in the NBA, having been drafted first overall by hometown team the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.