© Reuters. February 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) watches during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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By Rory Carroll
(Reuters) – Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer on Tuesday, setting the new mark with a fadeaway jumper late in the third quarter of a home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James, who entered the game with 36 points to break Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387, sent the sellout crowd into a frenzy when he blasted a shot through the net to make his name in the history books.
Lakers great Abdul-Jabbar, who took the title from Wilt Chamberlain with his signature skyhook on April 5, 1984, sat courtside at Tuesday’s game.
The game was stopped to acknowledge the achievement and for James to address the crowd.
“I just want to say thank you to the Lakers, you guys are one of a kind,” James said.
“To be able to be in the presence of a legend like Kareem is incredible, it’s very humbling. Please give ‘The Captain’ a standing ovation.”