"LeBron stands alone" was the timeless line from Brian Anderson when LeBron James broke the all-time NBA scoring record a year ago.
The NBA legend stood alone again on Saturday night when he became the first player ever to score 40,000 points.
James' quest to turn his scoring record into an unbreakable mark hit a key milestone when the 39-year-old reached No. 40,000 on a layup against the defending champion Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
The game didn't pause after the bucket, but the crowd made sure to let James know it recognized the moment.
The bucket that got LeBron to 40K
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 3, 2024
🎥: @NBA pic.twitter.com/4G9c8D5j6u https://t.co/9a3zMR8rOB
While the "GOAT" debate rages on, James' place in basketball history is undeniable. The reactions to the milestone on Saturday serve as a reminder of how respected James is among his peers, and his unbelievable longevity is certainly one of many reasons why.
LIVE: Follow updates from LeBron James' milestone night vs. Nuggets
Here are some of the best reactions from around the NBA and beyond to James' 40,000th point.
NBA world reacts to LeBron James' 40,000th point
Magic Johnson was in the building for the big moment.
Congratulations to LeBron James for being the first and only player in NBA history to score 40,000 points! I’m so glad I was here to witness such an incredible feat! @KingJames pic.twitter.com/IdfjsrSLKJ
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 3, 2024
Isaiah Thomas shouted out his (brief) Cleveland teammate.
40k!!!! Man he’s something else 🙌🏾
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) March 3, 2024
Gilbert Arenas has jokes.
I did my part helping LeBron get to 40,000 points 😂 pic.twitter.com/GRt9die24R
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) March 3, 2024
The GOAT debate is settled in Kendrick Perkins' eyes.
Congratulations to my brother and the 🐐 for the ONLY player ever to reach 40K!!!! Carry the hell on… pic.twitter.com/BLPFyLyulZ
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) March 3, 2024
MORE: Why NBA experts predict Bronny James won't be drafted in 2024
Lamar Odom never played with James, but he congratulated the player he once called "the god of basketball."
Congrats King James!!! https://t.co/wjN9qKudI5
— LAMAR ODOM (@LamarOdom) March 3, 2024
Skip Bayless, long a James detractor, called the 39-year-old's longevity "astonishing," though one has to wonder if his mention of Michael Jordan playing 15,000 fewer minutes was a backhanded comment.
For LeBron, 40,000 is an astonishing longevity achievement. No career-threatening injuries/surgeries. Revolutionary commitment to nutrition/supplements/fitness. Love for hooping remains all-time high. He has now played 15,000 more minutes than Jordan did. Just incredible.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 3, 2024
Nike came through with a special graphic to honor James' ridiculous career totals.
LeBron James just became the first player in NBA history to surpass 40,000 career points.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 3, 2024
He was also the first to reach 10K assists and 10K rebounds.
Nike’s tribute: pic.twitter.com/UEVKtlmFnR
No one's reaction matters more to James than his family's, and they were soaked in the moment in Los Angeles.
The James Gang was hyped for LeBron's bucket to reach 40K 👏 pic.twitter.com/f2trVOKw7l
— ESPN (@espn) March 3, 2024
James himself threw up the 4-0 during the first timeout following the milestone, adding one more iconic image to a long list of them from his 21-year career.
THIS MIGHT BE THE COLDEST LEBRON PHOTO 🥶 pic.twitter.com/709YAsO25G
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) March 3, 2024
While scoring is generally up around the NBA, it's fair to wonder whether the league will see another 40,000-point scorer again given the era of load management and James' unmatched longevity.
