With LeBron James’ longevity, it is possible he could break one more record before calling it a career.
The 36-year-old star is heading into his 19th season in the league, and though he’s claimed several MVP awards, rings, All-Star accolades and many more, one of the grandest records one can hold is the top spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Currently sitting on that throne is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who played 20 seasons in the league from 1969-70 to 1988-89; Fourteen of those seasons came with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Abdul-Jabbar holds the record with 38,387 total points over the span of his career, while James is third at 35,367 points.
If James can play at least until he hits 40 years old, which he recently said he wants to play at least four to seven more seasons with the Lakers, there is a real possibility he can surpass Abdul-Jabbar for that record.
In an interview with NBA insider Marc Stein, Abdul-Jabbar explained his thoughts on James possibly claiming that top spot:
I’m excited to see it happen. I don’t see records as personal accomplishments, but more as human achievements. If one person can do something that’s never been done, that means we all have a shot at doing it. It’s a source of hope and inspiration. Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile back in 1954. Since then, not only have 1,400 runners beaten that time, but the new record is 17 seconds less. We all win when a record is broken and if LeBron breaks mine, I will be right there to cheer him on.
The important component for James is staying healthy. He’s had injuries derail two of his last three seasons, which has set him back from achieving the top spot a little faster.
If James can string together multiple healthy seasons while maintaining the high level of play the league is accustomed to, then it’s certainly not impossible for James to yet again put himself in the record books.