LeBron Makes History as the First NBA Player to Hit 40,000 Points in Lakers’ Loss to Nuggets

LeBron James makes history as the first NBA player to reach 40,000 career points, achieving the milestone with a driving layup during the LA Lakers’ game against the Denver Nuggets, though the historic feat is bittersweet in a losing cause.

LeBron James made history as the first NBA player to hit 40,000 career points during the LA Lakers’ home game against the Denver Nuggets, sealing the milestone with a driving layup.

James claimed the title of the NBA’s all-time scoring leader over a year ago, surpassing former Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on February 7, 2022. Abdul-Jabbar had amassed 38,387 points over 20 seasons.

Entering Saturday’s game with a career average of 27.1 points per game across 21 NBA seasons, James needed nine points to reach the coveted milestone. He quickly racked up five points in the first quarter on 2-of-3 shooting.

The Akron, Ohio native secured his 40,000th point early in the second quarter, maneuvering past the Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr. for a left-handed layup.

Despite James’ historic achievement, he expressed mixed emotions as the Lakers fell to the Nuggets 124-114. Reflecting on the moment, James said, “Being the first player to do something, it’s pretty cool in this league ’cause you just know the history, you know the grace that has come through the league.”

A four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, James, now 39, has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning two decades. In his 21st campaign, he continues to be a force on the court, averaging 25.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game this season.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham commended James’ accomplishment, stating, “Just happy for him. It was a hell of an accomplishment.” The crowd honored James with a standing ovation, and the ball used for the milestone layup was ceremoniously removed from the game.