Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has become the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 points in the regular season and playoffs combined, posting 34 points on the night to help the Purple and Gold to a 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
40-year-old LeBron achieved the latest feat barely 48 hours after becoming the fourth player in the league’s history to win 1,000 matches, going joint third on that all-time list with 1,001 wins now alongside Tim Duncan.
LeBron surpassed the latest historic mark early in the first quarter after sinking a 25-foot three-pointer following a pass from Luka Doncic, who was equally impressive on the night with a historic 30-15 game.
Meanwhile, LeBron finished the game with 34 points as the Lakers won their seventh NBA match in a row to climb to second on the Western Conference standings.
James’ teammate Luka Doncic also contributed 30 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds to the Laker’s win on the night.
the former Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat star said after the game: “I’m not going to sugar-coat it – it’s a hell of a lot of points. I’m super blessed to be able to put up that many points in my career in the best league in the world and against the best players in the world – it’s pretty special.”
James’ total is made up of a record 41,871 regular season points, adding to his 8,162 postseason haul, where he is also the NBA’s leading scorer.