Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer on Tuesday, setting the new mark with a fadeaway jump shot late in the third quarter of a home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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"King James", who entered the game needing 36 points to break Abdul-Jabbar's record of 38,387, sent the sold-out crowd into a frenzy when the ball splashed through the net, raising his arms in triumph as his teammates embraced him.
Video: Reuters
Lakers great Abdul-Jabbar, who took the title from Wilt Chamberlain with his signature skyhook on April 5, 1984, sat courtside at Tuesday's game and stood to applaud James after the record was broken.
The game was stopped to recognize the achievement and to let James address the crowd.
"I just didn't think nobody would have that type of longevity to come out on the floor and play at that level for so long. So it's just a complete honor to be a part of this league, to be a part of some of the greats that have ever played this game, and to be right at the apex with them."
James sits top of the regular season points list followed by Abdul-Jabbar with Utah Jazz great Karl Malone (36,928), late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant (33,643), and Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan (32,292) rounding out the top five.
