LeBron James breaks NBA scoring record

Los Angeles Laker LeBron James broke the NBA's scoring record late Tuesday night at a home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, surpassing the record held by NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for nearly four decades.

James has now scored a total of 38,390 points during his 19-year career, surpassing the record of 38,387 set by Abdul-Jabbar, who was in attendance at the game, according to NBA.com.

"To be in the presence of such a legend and great as Kareem, it means so much to me. It’s very humbling," James said as the game was paused for a ceremony celebrating his shot breaking Abdul-Jabbar's record.

For Abdul-Jabbar, the admiration was mutual. He said: "LeBron’s career is one of someone who planned to dominate this game. ... It’s gone on for 20 years now. He has that indefinable essence that you call leadership, that people want to get behind him."

James spent the first seven years of his career at the Cleveland Cavaliers before spending four years with the Miami Heat followed by four more back at the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has played for the LA Lakers since 2018. 

Even with James breaking the record, his team still lost to the Thunder at 130-133.