Bend the knee, there's a new king.
For the first time in 39 years, someone other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sits on the NBA's all-time scoring throne. In his 1,410th career game and in the midst of an age-defying 20th season, LeBron James became officially the NBA's all-time scorer.
Ever since passing Wilt Chamberlain way back in 1984, Abdul-Jabbar towered over every other all-time scorer. At the time of his retirement at the age of 41 following the 1988-89 season, Chamberlain was the only player within even 10,000 of Abdul-Jabbar who finished with 38,387.
He was so far ahead of everyone else — 35-year-old Alex English was closest among all then-active players, a mere 14,970 points shy — many wondered if he had put the scoring record forever out of reach.
Now it's LeBron's turn to leave us all pondering two major questions:
- How many points will he finish with?
- Will anyone ever pass him?
Before looking ahead, we're taking some time to truly reflect on a mesmerizing two-decade story arc. How do you even begin to sum up LeBron's path from ordained high school 'Chosen One' to all-time scoring king? Take a look.
