Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to score over 40,000 points NBA history. The NBA posted a clip of James scoring his 40,000 point, commenting: “LeBron James scores the bucket to become the first player in league history to score 40,000 career points ”

James officially scored his 40K point during the Lakers’ 124-114 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, with Los Angeles posting on X: “LeBron James: Founding member of the 40K points club ”. James had entered the game nine points short of the milestone, and scored the record-breaking 40,000th-point on a driving layup with 10:39 to play in the second quarter.

James, 39, had previously spoke about what the record would mean to him as he was nearing the 40,000-point mark, saying via NBA.com: “No one has done it. And for me to be in this position at this point and time in my career, I think it’s pretty cool. But is it one of the top things I’ve done in my career? No. Does it mean something? Of course. Why wouldn’t it?”

James, who is marking his 21st year in the NBA, has pulled away from some of the NBA’s all-time scoring list, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points), Karl Malone (36,928 points) and Kobe Bryant (33,643 points).  Among active players Kevin Durant is the closest to James, ranking ninth in NBA history.

James entered Saturday’s game ranked 15th in scoring this season, averaging 25.3 points, 7.9 assists and 7.1 rebounds per contest on 52.5% shooting from the floor in 53 games for the Lakers. He was named to his 20th straight All-Star Game in February, and has averaged at least 25 points in each of his previous 20 NBA seasons.

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