On Saturday, March 2, LeBron James made history by becoming the first NBA player to pass 40,000 career points during the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Denver Nuggets.

“It’s pretty cool in this league being the first player to do something,” remarked the 39-year-old James, who tallied 26 points during the game. “You just know the history, you know the greats that have come through.”

James scored the historic basket with a driving lay-up from the left side of the basket, giving the Lakers a 37-32 lead with 10 minutes and 39 seconds left in the second quarter. The crowd honored him with a standing ovation during a timeout, and the game ball was swiftly removed for commemoration.

Nevertheless, Nikola Jokić’s 35-point performance fueled the Nuggets to their sixth consecutive victory, leaving James with mixed emotions.

“The main thing is always the main thing, and that’s the win,” James emphasized. “And I hated that had to happen in a defeat, especially versus a team that plays extremely well.”

“We played some good basketball but weren’t able to close it out, so [it’s] bittersweet, but I enjoyed every moment on the floor.”

In February 2023, James ascended to the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s longstanding record of 38,387 points. Now in his 21st campaign, the four-time NBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player remains the league’s oldest active player.

Reflecting on his unprecedented achievement, James expressed uncertainty about another player reaching the 40,000-point milestone.

“You have to play the game quite a while and have some good luck with injuries and things of that nature,” he mused. “You have to take care of your body. You have to be present on the floor, and then you have to be productive as well.”

Lakers coach Darvin Ham commended James, saying, “Just happy for him. It was a hell of an accomplishment.”

“Wish we could have got the win to cap it off. But my hat’s off to him. Amazing, amazing run that continues to this day.”