Magic Johnson, Skip Bayless and more react to LeBron James' 40,000th NBA point: 'Just incredible'

Dan Treacy

Magic Johnson, Skip Bayless and more react to LeBron James' 40,000th NBA point: 'Just incredible' image

"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. 

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.

Isaiah Thomas shouted out his (brief) Cleveland teammate.

Gilbert Arenas has jokes.

The GOAT debate is settled in Kendrick Perkins' eyes.

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." 

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. 

Nike came through with a special graphic to honor James' ridiculous career totals.

No one's reaction matters more to James than his family's, and they were soaked in the moment in Los Angeles. 

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.

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. 

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy Photo

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.