LeBron James Hits 50,000 Points: What Secrets Does the King Hold Beyond the Record?
LeBron James just did what many thought was simply unimaginable — he blasted through the 50,000 combined points barrier, becoming the first NBA player ever to do so. Now, that’s not just a number; it’s a staggering testament to longevity, skill, and an uncanny knack for rewriting the record books in real time. I mean, after more than two decades of dominating hardwoods, from Cavalier courts to Miami heatwaves and Lakers hardwood, King James continues to redefine what it means to be great — at 40 years old no less! So, how does one even begin to unpack this mountain of points spanning regular seasons and playoffs alike? And more intriguingly, can any future star even dream of chasing this seemingly insurmountable milestone? Let’s dive into the numbers behind this historic feat — the regular season juggernaut, the postseason warrior, and just how much further LeBron might push the needle before he hangs up his sneakers.
After LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to reach 50,000 combined points, we look at the stats that lead in the regular season, postseason and overall.
More than two years have passed since LeBron James overtook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time highest scorer.
The points record is measured in the regular season, of course, and LeBron keeps building on the total.
His 22-season career, however, is all encompassing, so he’s also defined by the postseason, where he is a four-time NBA champion.
Tuesday night, King James delivered a golden way to mark his greatness by establishing the 50K club. By sinking a 3-pointer over Zion Williamson early in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 136-115 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, LeBron became the first player to reach 50,000 combined points for a career over the regular season and playoffs.
The 6-foot-9 forward went on to drain 34 points just hours after he was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for February.
At 40 years old, no less, as the oldest active player became the oldest to win the league’s monthly award.
The breakdown of James’ career points is extraordinary.
His NBA record is officially 41,871 points in 1,548 regular games – and growing – with Abdul-Jabbar in second place at 38,387 points. In another month, LeBron will have an opportunity to add to his 8,162 postseason points (287 games), which is well beyond Michael Jordan’s No. 2 total of 5,987.
Combined, LeBron’s 50,000 points are nearing a 6,000-point lead.
Most Points in an NBA Career (Including Playoffs)
- 1. LeBron James (2003-04 to Present, 22 Seasons) – 50,033
- 2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969-70 to 1988-89, 20) – 44,149
- 3. Karl Malone (1985-86 to 2003-04, 19) – 41,689
- 4. Kobe Bryant (1996-97 to 2015-16, 20) – 39,283
- 5. Michael Jordan (1984-85 to 2002-03, 15) – 38,279
- 6. Kevin Durant (2007-08 to Present, 17) – 35,225
- 7. Dirk Nowitzki (1998-99 to 2018-19, 21) – 35,223
- 8. Wilt Chamberlain (1959-60 to 1972-73, 14) – 35,026
- 9. Shaquille O’Neal (1992-93 to 2010-11, 19) – 33,846
- 10. Tim Duncan (1997-98 to 2015-16, 19) – 31,668
James’ 22nd season has him tied with Vince Carter for yet another NBA all-time record – the last seven with the Lakers in addition to two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-10 and 2014-18) and one with the Miami Heat (2010-14).
There’s been some decline with age, but it’s far from significant. The four-time NBA MVP’s 2024-25 averages of 24.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 0.9 steals per game compare well to his career line of 27.0, 7.5, 7.4 and 1.5, respectively. His offensive DRIP 2.6 is in the top 20 of the league.
Kevin Durant matched LeBron with 34 points in the Phoenix Suns’ win over the Los Angeles Clippers Tuesday night, moving past Dirk Nowitzki for the sixth spot in combined career points.
Few probably noticed that fact with the scoring list – perhaps even that the other LA team was in action.
That’s because the night belonged to LeBron James.
Like so many other nights while he’s climbed above 50,000 combined points in his NBA career.
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The post LeBron James at 50,000 Points: It’s an Exclusive Club Fit for a King appeared first on Opta Analyst.
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