LeBron James, the superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers, has solidified his unquestionable legacy in the basketball world. On February 7th, James achieved an unprecedented milestone by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing record to become the greatest scorer in NBA history. During the Lakers’ 133-130 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, James scored 38 points, bringing his career points total to 38,390, surpassing Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 37,387 points set nearly 40 years ago. Currently, there are only seven other players in NBA history who have scored over 10,000 points.
This remarkable achievement adds to LeBron James’ extensive list of accolades, including 19 NBA All-Star appearances, 18 All-NBA team selections, four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, and four NBA championships. During a pause in the third quarter of the game, James expressed his gratitude and honor, stating, “I feel extremely honored to be in the presence of a great legend like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Nothing could be better than today. Thank you so much.”
LeBron James’ success extends beyond the basketball court. At 38 years old, he is the highest-paid basketball player in the NBA, earning a pre-tax income and agent expenses of $124.5 million during the 2022-2023 season. Off the court, he has lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as Nike, AT&T, and Beats By Dre, earning an additional $80 million. Throughout his career, James has amassed a total pre-tax income of $1.3 billiоn.
Furthermore, James has ventured into business and investments. He has made strategic investments in various brands, including fitness company Tonal, Blaze Pizza, and sports nutrition company Ladder. In 2020, he co-founded the entertainment and film production company SpringHill Co., which has been involved in the production of movies and documentaries. Forbes estimates LeBron James’ net worth at $1 billiоn, making him the first active NBA athlete to achieve billionaire status.
Looking ahead, James has expressed his desire to own a basketball team, following in the footsteps of legendary player Michael Jordan, who purchased the Charlotte Hornets in 2010. Additionally, he eagerly awaits the opportunity to play alongside his son, Bronny, in the NBA. LeBron James recently extended his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, signaling his intention to continue playing for several more years. With his son potentially entering the NBA Draft in 2024, James aims to join him on the court before concluding his illustrious career.
LeBron James’ legacy as a basketball icon and his remarkable success both on and off the court have solidified his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.