LeBron James has made history again, becoming the first player ever to score 50,000 combined points in the NBA, both regular season and playoffs. The milestone was reached during the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 4, 2025. With the crowd at Crypto.com Arena buzzing with anticipation, James sunk his milestone 50,000th point through a stunning 3-pointer early in the first quarter, contributing to the Lakers' impressive 136-115 victory over the Pelicans.
This extraordinary feat adds to James’ long list of achievements as he already leads the league as the top scorer, boasting both the all-time points record during regular seasons and playoff games. After securing 49,999 points just days earlier by scoring 17 points against the Los Angeles Clippers, the 40-year-old superstar quickly climbed to this historic benchmark, finishing the game against New Orleans with 34 points. Currently, his career scoring total stands at 60,149, which is 6,000 points clear of second-placed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The game was marked not just by James’ record-setting moment but also by the impressive performance of his teammates. Luka Doncic was instrumental, contributing 30 points, 15 assists, and eight rebounds. The Lakers have soared to second place in the Western Conference standings, pushing their winning streak to seven games. James’ significant scoring total is split between 41,871 regular-season points and 8,162 playoff points, showcasing his durability and longevity within the sport.
"I'm not going to sugar-coat it - it's a hell of a lot of points," James said after the game. The basketball star humbly acknowledged the rarity of achieving such numbers, expressing gratitude for playing against the world’s best players throughout his career. The achievement coincided with James being named the NBA's Western Conference Player of the Month for his performances throughout February. During this period, he averaged 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.
This month marks one of the best stretches of James' career, maintaining significant shooting percentages of 55.5 from the field and 44.3 from three-point range. Remarkably, he has even become the first player ever to have multiple 40-point games at age 40 or over, surpassing former Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, who similarly scored 43 points at 40 years old back on February 21, 2003.
Fans and former players alike have praised this latest achievement. Lakers legend Magic Johnson took to social media to congratulate James, stating, "Congratulations to King LeBron James for becoming the only player in NBA history to score 50,000 regular season and playoff points!" Johnson's message highlights the continued respect and admiration James earns from both peers and fans. The achievement is more than just numbers; it underlines the historical importance of LeBron James within the sport of basketball.
Despite being deep in his 22nd season, James shows no sign of slowing down. He has been playing at such high levels, raising questions about his future and what more he can achieve before he hangs up his sneakers. With the playoffs looming, his hunger to succeed remains evident. The Lakers are performing well, and with James leading the charge, they aim for another championship run.
Looking forward, James and the Lakers are focusing on the upcoming games, hoping to continue their impressive form and climb even higher within the league standings. The Pelicans, meanwhile, witnessed their season record slip to 14th place, but they leave the game with their heads held high after battling the competition and featuring standout performances from Zion Williamson, who scored 37 points.
LeBron James has captivated audiences for over two decades and continues to break barriers. This recent milestone adds yet another chapter to his already remarkable legacy as he pushes the boundaries of what's possible on the court. Like any athlete, the records will matter, but James' impact on the sport will reverberate through history long after he plays his last game.