LOS ANGELES — June 2, 2025
LeBron James continues to defy age, records, and expectations. On Tuesday night, the 40-year-old NBA legend achieved a staggering milestone that no other player in league history has reached — 50,000 combined points in regular-season and postseason play.
The record-breaking moment came early in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 136–115 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. James hit a three-pointer off an assist from teammate Luka Dončić, sealing his place in the record books yet again.
“I mean, that’s a lot of points,” James said postgame, stroking his beard with a smile. “Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind is where I’m from. Picking up the game when I was a little kid and having a love for the sport, and hoping that someday I’d be able to play at the highest level. I’ve been able to do that and really enjoy my career. So it’s definitely an honor. It’s pretty cool to see that.”
Already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in both the regular season and playoffs, James has now widened the gap further. The previous combined points leader, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, finished his 20-year career with 44,149 points. James, now in his 22nd NBA season, shows no signs of slowing down — not physically, and certainly not statistically.
A Night of Milestones and Momentum
James capped off the night with 34 points, leading the Lakers to a dominant victory. His record-setting three-pointer came courtesy of Luka Dončić, the 26-year-old Slovenian star acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks earlier in the season. The assist from Dončić added a poetic touch to the historic moment — a torch-passing dynamic between two generational talents.
“It’s amazing, watching him do this stuff at this age,” Dončić said after the game. “It’s just unbelievable, that 50K points. I can’t even explain how insane that is. He might get to 70K. You never know.”
Dončić delivered a dazzling performance of his own, posting 30 points, 15 assists, and 8 rebounds. The chemistry between him and James has become a key storyline for the Lakers’ recent resurgence, with the team currently riding a seven-game win streak and winning 17 of their last 20 games.
A Standing Ovation for History
The moment was officially recognized during the next timeout, when Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter delivered the announcement:
“Ladies and gentlemen, we all have just witnessed history.”
The Crypto.com Arena erupted in applause as James waved from the bench, acknowledging the standing ovation from the fans and his teammates.
Redefining Longevity
What makes James’ 50,000-point milestone so extraordinary isn’t just the number — it’s the context. He has achieved this while maintaining elite-level play into his forties, competing with and often outperforming players half his age. His unmatched durability, court vision, and scoring ability continue to place him in conversations not just
