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LeBron James breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's field goals record amid injury and loss

Mar 6, 2026, 5:51 AM30
(Update: Mar 6, 2026, 2:30 PM)
American basketball player (born 1984)
American basketball player (born 1947)

LeBron James breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's field goals record amid injury and loss

  • LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most field goals made in NBA history during a game in which the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets.
  • James achieved this record with his 15,838th basket, showcasing his scoring ability established over 23 seasons in the NBA.
  • Despite this milestone, he dealt with soreness in his left elbow after a collision during the game, highlighting the physical challenges athletes face.
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In a notable NBA game, which took place during LeBron James's 23rd season in the league, he made history by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in career field goals. This pivotal moment occurred with a turnaround jumper, marking his 15,838th basket, edging past Abdul-Jabbar's previous record of 15,837. While this accomplishment celebrated James's scoring prowess, it was overshadowed by the Los Angeles Lakers' loss to the Denver Nuggets, alongside LeBron's injury to his left elbow during the game. This injury, sustained in a collision with Nikola Jokic, left James feeling soreness. Despite the injury, James's performance throughout the season has affirmatively cemented his legacy within the sport. As he reflected on this milestone, James expressed humility, recognizing the honor of being mentioned alongside some of basketball's greats. Compared to Abdul-Jabbar, who maintained a career shooting percentage of 55.9%, James has a current shooting percentage of 51.6% but has attempted significantly more shots, showcasing his endurance and adaptability in the game. The incident that sparked attention occurred with four minutes left in the match, causing concern among fans and teammates alike, although James managed to return briefly before the end of the game. Lakers' coach J.J. Redick praised James's impact over two decades, likening him to musical legends who continue to add to their legacy. This record-breaking event highlighted LeBron's continual accumulation of achievements, reinforcing his stature in NBA history even as he grapples with injuries and team dynamics. The game itself ended with a decisive win for the Nuggets, illustrating the competitive landscape of the league at present. LeBron James stands as the only player in NBA history to have scored more than 50,000 points across both regular season and post season combined, further emphasizing his extraordinary career and historical significance to the sport of basketball. Insights gathered from this match underscore how burgeoning records coexist with the harsh realities of physical toll and competition in professional sports.

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