LeBron James scoring record tracker: Lakers star passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on all-time points list

When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired in 1989, he left the NBA with a record that many felt would never be broken. The Hall of Famer ended his playing career with 38,387 points, putting him alone atop the league's all-time scoring list.

More than three decades later, another Lakers star has passed Abdul-Jabbar's incredible mark.

LeBron James is now ahead of Abdul-Jabbar and on pace to widen the gap between the two basketball legends before the end of the 2022-23 season.

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When will LeBron James pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on all-time scoring list?

James passed Abdul-Jabbar with a turnaround jumper in the Lakers' matchup with the Thunder on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

After entering the game needing 36 points to take the top spot on the list, James finished with 38 points to push his career total to 38,390.

EVERY ANGLE of the bucket that made LeBron James the NBA's all-time leading scorer 📽️#ScoringKing pic.twitter.com/BVUr9x78BH

— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2023

NBA all-time scoring list

Before sliding up to No. 1, James passed Karl Malone to move into second place on the all-time scoring list in March 2022. The only other active player in the top 10 is Carmelo Anthony, who is currently a free agent.

Kevin Durant is sitting at No. 14, but he could pass multiple players ahead of him by the end of the regular season if he stays healthy.

LeBron James career scoring average

After averaging 20.9 points per game as a rookie with the Cavaliers in 2003-04, James has posted at least 25 points per game in every other season of his career.

He won the scoring title in 2007-08 when he averaged 30 points per game. He has cleared the 30-point threshold in three other seasons (2005-06, 2021-22 and 2022-23).