At 40 years old, LeBron James has achieved an unprecedented milestone in the NBA by becoming the first player to surpass 50,000 points, combining regular season and playoff games. The landmark moment came during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, where the Los Angeles Lakers star scored 34 points, starting the night with a three-pointer that sealed the historic achievement. LeBron, already the league’s all-time leading scorer, adds another remarkable chapter to his career, solidifying his status as one of basketball’s greatest legends. Beyond official stats, which tally 50,033 points, the forward also totals 51,908 points when including games like All-Star events, play-ins, and other non-official competitions—a mark he had quietly crossed by the end of last season.
With 22 seasons under his belt, LeBron doesn’t just lead in points; he holds several other staggering records. He’s the player with the most minutes on the court in NBA history, exceeding 70,000 minutes, and the only one to record at least 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists. His longevity and consistency are astounding: in 16 of his 21 completed seasons, he surpassed the 2,000-point barrier, with a peak in 2017/18 when he tallied 2,999 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
LeBron’s influence stretches far beyond statistics. He has secured four NBA championships, four regular-season MVP awards, and four Finals MVP honors, alongside being selected to 21 All-Star Games. Even with challenges like an ankle injury that sidelined him for this year’s All-Star event, his impact on the game remains undeniable, inspiring generations both on and off the court.
LEBRON JAMES STARTS THE 50,000 POINTS CLUB 🚨👑
Counting regular season & playoffs…
Another spectacular feat for @KingJames! 👏 pic.twitter.com/7IP9MeQ0lz
— NBA (@NBA) March 5, 2025
A career defined by records and consistency
LeBron James isn’t just the NBA’s all-time leading scorer; he dominates a range of stats that highlight his versatility and endurance. Crossing the 50,000-point threshold further distances him from legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who amassed just over 44,000 points, and Karl Malone, with around 41,000. Among active players, Kevin Durant, ranked seventh all-time, trails far behind with just over 28,000 points to date.
Another testament to his consistency is his scoring output over the decades. Since debuting in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron has rarely dipped below a 25-point-per-game average in a season. His highest playoff scoring game remains iconic: in 2018, he dropped 51 points in a single Finals matchup against the Golden State Warriors, despite his team’s eventual loss in the series.
LeBron’s ability to adapt and evolve sets him apart. Even at 40, he remains a dominant force, blending physical prowess with tactical brilliance. His recent on-court partnership with his son Bronny James also made history as the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA, adding yet another unique chapter to his legacy.
Historic moments shaping LeBron’s legacy
Among LeBron’s numerous records, some stand out for their rarity and impact on basketball. He’s the only player to score at least 40 points against all 30 NBA franchises, showcasing his consistency across different opponents over the years. Another remarkable stat is his streak of 1,000 consecutive games with 10 or more points, reflecting not just his offensive skill but also his physical and mental resilience.
Here are some of LeBron James’ most notable achievements in the NBA:
- All-time leading scorer with 50,033 points between regular seasons and playoffs.
- Most minutes played in league history, surpassing 70,000 minutes on the court.
- Only player with at least 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists.
- Record holder for most playoff games, with 287 appearances.
- First father to play alongside his son in the league, with Bronny James this season.
These figures, paired with four championship rings and 21 All-Star selections, illustrate how LeBron has redefined what it means to be a superstar in the NBA. His influence goes beyond stats, shaping how the game is played and perceived worldwide.
Timeline of a milestone-filled season
The 2024/25 season has been particularly significant for LeBron James, not just for the 50,000-point milestone but also for other defining moments. He began the year managing an ankle injury that kept him out of key games, including the All-Star Game, but returned in top form to lead the Lakers in a competitive Western Conference campaign. The game against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he hit the historic mark, was just one of many where he proved age is merely a number.
Below is a summary of key events in the season so far:
- October 2024: LeBron begins his 22nd NBA season, tying Vince Carter’s record.
- November 2024: Plays alongside Bronny James in official games, marking a historic moment.
- March 2025: Officially surpasses 50,000 points in a game against the Pelicans.
Additionally, LeBron reached 1,000 regular-season wins, another milestone placing him among the league’s greatest victors. His leadership, both on and off the court, continues to be a cornerstone for the Los Angeles Lakers as they aim for another title under his guidance.
LeBron’s impact beyond the court
Off the court, LeBron James has made an indelible mark. He’s a vocal advocate for social causes, using his platform to address issues like racial inequality and education. His LeBron James Family Foundation has impacted thousands of young people across the U.S., providing scholarships and support programs in underserved communities. This commitment adds a profound layer to his legacy, showing his influence extends far beyond basketball.
LeBron’s presence in the business world is equally impressive. He ranks among the highest-earning athletes globally, thanks to lucrative endorsement deals. His partnership with brands like Nike, which has released signature sneaker lines, has also shaped sneaker culture, bridging sports and fashion in a unique way.
His engagement on social media and in mainstream media keeps basketball relevant for new generations. By sharing glimpses of his career and personal life, LeBron fosters a direct connection with fans worldwide. This ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing sports landscape further underscores his greatness.
Comparing LeBron to other NBA legends
Discussions about LeBron James inevitably lead to comparisons with icons like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. While each brought distinct styles and impacts, LeBron stands out for his versatility. Unlike Jordan, known for his relentless scoring aggression, or Kobe, celebrated for his precision shooting, LeBron combines physical dominance, court vision, and longevity in a way few have matched.
Jordan dominated the ‘90s with six titles, and Kobe shone in the 2000s with five, but LeBron has navigated a more competitive era, facing teams like the Golden State Warriors that transformed the game. Yet he still secured four championships and led three different franchises—Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers—to glory, showcasing his adaptability.
His rivalries with contemporaries like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have also elevated the NBA over the past 15 years. These matchups, especially in the playoffs, have delivered some of the league’s most unforgettable moments, cementing LeBron as a tireless competitor.
What lies ahead for LeBron in the NBA
At 40, LeBron James shows no signs of slowing down. Despite retirement speculation, he has expressed a desire to keep playing as long as he feels competitive and healthy. His physical condition, maintained through a rigorous training and recovery regimen, allows him to perform at an elite level even after over two decades in the league.
For the Lakers, LeBron’s presence is a game-changer in their pursuit of another championship. The team, blending young talent like Anthony Davis with seasoned players, relies on his leadership to navigate the tough Western Conference. If he maintains his current pace, more historic milestones could be within reach before he retires.
His partnership with Bronny James also opens doors to a symbolic future in the NBA. Seeing father and son on the court together is already a landmark, but LeBron could extend this story for a few more seasons, creating memories that will resonate with fans for years to come.

At 40 years old, LeBron James has achieved an unprecedented milestone in the NBA by becoming the first player to surpass 50,000 points, combining regular season and playoff games. The landmark moment came during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, where the Los Angeles Lakers star scored 34 points, starting the night with a three-pointer that sealed the historic achievement. LeBron, already the league’s all-time leading scorer, adds another remarkable chapter to his career, solidifying his status as one of basketball’s greatest legends. Beyond official stats, which tally 50,033 points, the forward also totals 51,908 points when including games like All-Star events, play-ins, and other non-official competitions—a mark he had quietly crossed by the end of last season.
With 22 seasons under his belt, LeBron doesn’t just lead in points; he holds several other staggering records. He’s the player with the most minutes on the court in NBA history, exceeding 70,000 minutes, and the only one to record at least 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists. His longevity and consistency are astounding: in 16 of his 21 completed seasons, he surpassed the 2,000-point barrier, with a peak in 2017/18 when he tallied 2,999 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
LeBron’s influence stretches far beyond statistics. He has secured four NBA championships, four regular-season MVP awards, and four Finals MVP honors, alongside being selected to 21 All-Star Games. Even with challenges like an ankle injury that sidelined him for this year’s All-Star event, his impact on the game remains undeniable, inspiring generations both on and off the court.
LEBRON JAMES STARTS THE 50,000 POINTS CLUB 🚨👑
Counting regular season & playoffs…
Another spectacular feat for @KingJames! 👏 pic.twitter.com/7IP9MeQ0lz
— NBA (@NBA) March 5, 2025
A career defined by records and consistency
LeBron James isn’t just the NBA’s all-time leading scorer; he dominates a range of stats that highlight his versatility and endurance. Crossing the 50,000-point threshold further distances him from legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who amassed just over 44,000 points, and Karl Malone, with around 41,000. Among active players, Kevin Durant, ranked seventh all-time, trails far behind with just over 28,000 points to date.
Another testament to his consistency is his scoring output over the decades. Since debuting in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron has rarely dipped below a 25-point-per-game average in a season. His highest playoff scoring game remains iconic: in 2018, he dropped 51 points in a single Finals matchup against the Golden State Warriors, despite his team’s eventual loss in the series.
LeBron’s ability to adapt and evolve sets him apart. Even at 40, he remains a dominant force, blending physical prowess with tactical brilliance. His recent on-court partnership with his son Bronny James also made history as the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA, adding yet another unique chapter to his legacy.
Historic moments shaping LeBron’s legacy
Among LeBron’s numerous records, some stand out for their rarity and impact on basketball. He’s the only player to score at least 40 points against all 30 NBA franchises, showcasing his consistency across different opponents over the years. Another remarkable stat is his streak of 1,000 consecutive games with 10 or more points, reflecting not just his offensive skill but also his physical and mental resilience.
Here are some of LeBron James’ most notable achievements in the NBA:
- All-time leading scorer with 50,033 points between regular seasons and playoffs.
- Most minutes played in league history, surpassing 70,000 minutes on the court.
- Only player with at least 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists.
- Record holder for most playoff games, with 287 appearances.
- First father to play alongside his son in the league, with Bronny James this season.
These figures, paired with four championship rings and 21 All-Star selections, illustrate how LeBron has redefined what it means to be a superstar in the NBA. His influence goes beyond stats, shaping how the game is played and perceived worldwide.
Timeline of a milestone-filled season
The 2024/25 season has been particularly significant for LeBron James, not just for the 50,000-point milestone but also for other defining moments. He began the year managing an ankle injury that kept him out of key games, including the All-Star Game, but returned in top form to lead the Lakers in a competitive Western Conference campaign. The game against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he hit the historic mark, was just one of many where he proved age is merely a number.
Below is a summary of key events in the season so far:
- October 2024: LeBron begins his 22nd NBA season, tying Vince Carter’s record.
- November 2024: Plays alongside Bronny James in official games, marking a historic moment.
- March 2025: Officially surpasses 50,000 points in a game against the Pelicans.
Additionally, LeBron reached 1,000 regular-season wins, another milestone placing him among the league’s greatest victors. His leadership, both on and off the court, continues to be a cornerstone for the Los Angeles Lakers as they aim for another title under his guidance.
LeBron’s impact beyond the court
Off the court, LeBron James has made an indelible mark. He’s a vocal advocate for social causes, using his platform to address issues like racial inequality and education. His LeBron James Family Foundation has impacted thousands of young people across the U.S., providing scholarships and support programs in underserved communities. This commitment adds a profound layer to his legacy, showing his influence extends far beyond basketball.
LeBron’s presence in the business world is equally impressive. He ranks among the highest-earning athletes globally, thanks to lucrative endorsement deals. His partnership with brands like Nike, which has released signature sneaker lines, has also shaped sneaker culture, bridging sports and fashion in a unique way.
His engagement on social media and in mainstream media keeps basketball relevant for new generations. By sharing glimpses of his career and personal life, LeBron fosters a direct connection with fans worldwide. This ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing sports landscape further underscores his greatness.
Comparing LeBron to other NBA legends
Discussions about LeBron James inevitably lead to comparisons with icons like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. While each brought distinct styles and impacts, LeBron stands out for his versatility. Unlike Jordan, known for his relentless scoring aggression, or Kobe, celebrated for his precision shooting, LeBron combines physical dominance, court vision, and longevity in a way few have matched.
Jordan dominated the ‘90s with six titles, and Kobe shone in the 2000s with five, but LeBron has navigated a more competitive era, facing teams like the Golden State Warriors that transformed the game. Yet he still secured four championships and led three different franchises—Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers—to glory, showcasing his adaptability.
His rivalries with contemporaries like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have also elevated the NBA over the past 15 years. These matchups, especially in the playoffs, have delivered some of the league’s most unforgettable moments, cementing LeBron as a tireless competitor.
What lies ahead for LeBron in the NBA
At 40, LeBron James shows no signs of slowing down. Despite retirement speculation, he has expressed a desire to keep playing as long as he feels competitive and healthy. His physical condition, maintained through a rigorous training and recovery regimen, allows him to perform at an elite level even after over two decades in the league.
For the Lakers, LeBron’s presence is a game-changer in their pursuit of another championship. The team, blending young talent like Anthony Davis with seasoned players, relies on his leadership to navigate the tough Western Conference. If he maintains his current pace, more historic milestones could be within reach before he retires.
His partnership with Bronny James also opens doors to a symbolic future in the NBA. Seeing father and son on the court together is already a landmark, but LeBron could extend this story for a few more seasons, creating memories that will resonate with fans for years to come.
