On March 4, 2025, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James achieved a historic milestone by surpassing 50,000 combined career points in regular season and playoff games, becoming the first player in NBA history to do so. This remarkable achievement underscores James’s exceptional longevity and consistent high-level performance in professional basketball.
Career Scoring Breakdown
James’s 50,000-point milestone is composed of 41,837 points scored during regular-season games and 8,162 points in postseason play. His career has spanned multiple teams, with significant contributions to each:
- Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010): 17,332 points
- Miami Heat (2010–2014): 10,257 points
- Cleveland Cavaliers (2014–2018): 10,360 points
- Los Angeles Lakers (2018–present): 12,084 points
Notable Achievements and Longevity
James’s ability to maintain elite performance well into his late 30s and early 40s has been a defining feature of his career. In the 2024–2025 season, he became the oldest player to record a triple-double at age 40, surpassing previous records held by players like Karl Malone. Additionally, he joined the exclusive club of players with over 15,000 career field goals, a feat previously achieved only by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. These accomplishments highlight James’s enduring skill and physical conditioning.
Historic Father-Son Duo
In a groundbreaking move, James re-signed with the Lakers in July 2024, two weeks after his son, Bronny James, was drafted by the team. On October 22, 2024, in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the father-son duo made NBA history by appearing together on the court, marking the first time in league history that a father and his son played in an NBA game simultaneously. This event added a new chapter to the James family’s legacy in professional basketball.
Comparison with Michael Jordan
James’s sustained excellence has sparked comparisons with other basketball legends, notably Michael Jordan. While Jordan’s career scoring average remains higher, James’s longevity and continued high-level performance have solidified his status among the all-time greats. Both players have unique records and achievements that contribute to ongoing debates about the greatest basketball player of all time.
Synergy with Luka Dončić
The partnership between James and recent Lakers acquisition Luka Dončić has yielded historic numbers. Together, they became the first duo in Lakers history to combine for over 200 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists in their first ten games together, showcasing exceptional synergy and skill. This collaboration has significantly contributed to the Lakers’ success in the 2024–2025 season.
Legacy and Impact
LeBron James’s career is characterized by remarkable achievements, including multiple NBA championships, MVP awards, and All-Star selections. His recent surpassing of the 50,000-point mark further cements his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players in history. James’s influence extends beyond the court, with philanthropic efforts and business ventures contributing to his status as a global icon. As he continues to play at an elite level, fans and analysts alike anticipate further milestones and contributions to the sport.
