LeBron James reached yet another milestone on March 4, 2025, as he became the first player to surpass 50,000 combined points during regular-season and playoff games, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a commanding 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena. This historic achievement occurred early in the game, as James scored 34 points on the night, continuously demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the NBA's greatest players.
With his 3-pointer at the 8:34 mark of the first quarter, James hit the milestone, igniting cheers from Lakers fans who acknowledged his accomplishment with resounding applause. According to the Associated Press, he acknowledged the crowd with a wave of his hand, symbolizing his appreciation for the support.
Luka Doncic was instrumental for the Lakers on the night as well, contributing 30 points, 15 assists, and eight rebounds, helping the team extend its winning streak to seven games—their longest streak in four years. The Lakers now hold the second position in the Western Conference with a record of 39-21, having won 17 of their last 20 games.
The Lakers emerged strong from the start, scoring 36 points in the first quarter and leading 69-59 at halftime. Doncic’s extraordinary first quarter included 17 points, where he nailed three consecutive 3-pointers, showcasing his scoring abilities and opening the floor for James.
“James surpassed the 50,000-point threshold with a 3-pointer at the 8:34 mark of the first quarter,” reported the AP, highlighting the significance of this moment. James finished the game hitting 10 of 18 from the field and successfully sinking 5 of 10 attempts from beyond the arc, also amassing eight rebounds, six assists, and two blocked shots.
Despite missing key players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, both sidelined due to injuries, the Lakers' depth shone through. Jaxson Hayes had his best game of the season, contributing 19 points and 10 rebounds, complementing the efforts of his teammates effectively.
On the opposing end, Zion Williamson put forth one of his strongest performances, scoring 37 points with 17 successful shots out of 23 attempts, alongside six assists and four rebounds. Trey Murphy III also made significant contributions for the Pelicans with 19 points as Jordan Hawkins and Kelly Olynyk added 17 and 11 points, respectively.
Even as the Pelicans struggled, their offensive execution was commendable, especially against the Lakers’ solid defensive strategies. On their recent road trip, the Pelicans concluded with two wins out of four, showing signs of improvement, particularly from Williamson.
During the game, the Lakers attempted 52 three-point shots, successfully converting 19 of them, which marks their highest total of the season at 36.5%. This decisive approach to their game showcases the team’s strategy under head coach Frank Vogel as they look to adjust the offensive style and utilize their shooting capabilities.
With over four minutes left on the clock and the game already secured, Bronny James made his return to the hardwood, scoring two points in 4:01 minutes of play—his first appearance since February 12, 2025. The crowd erupted as Bronny took the court, and there were echoes of excitement for the future of both the James and Lakers legacies.
The Lakers are scheduled to finish their current six-game homestand against the New York Knicks on Thursday, March 6, 2025, as they continue to chase their goals for postseason success. Meanwhile, the Pelicans will host the Houston Rockets on the same day, hoping to use the concluding stretch of the season to build momentum for the future.
James' achievement is not only notable for the player himself but stands out across the history of sports, as he remains the only player to exceed 45,000 combined points let alone 50,000, surpassing legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who holds the second place with 44,149 total points.
Overall, as the Lakers continue their successful season, fans and analysts alike will keep their eyes on both the team’s performance and James’ pursuit of greatness, eagerly anticipating what milestones will come next.