Jeanie Buss Basks in LeBron James’ Greatness as He Proves Legendary Laker Wrong After 39 Years: “Meant the World to Me”

When LeBron James joined the Lakers, it was an exciting time. He won the title in 2020, helping the Lakers reach another milestone. Lakers have registered 17 titles, equalling the record of the Celtics in 2020. After the team didn’t win for a decade, LBJ joined Davis and Co. to get the winning engine revving. Then last season, James achieved one of the most unprecedented feats. He broke the scoring record of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Both players broke the scoring record as a part of the Lakers.

In 1984, it was under Jerry Buss’ ownership that Abdul-Jabbar broke the record. Fittingly, in 2023, it was under his daughter Jeanie Buss’ ownership that LBJ took the baton.

LeBron James proved the legendary commentator wrong

In 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar clinched the scoring record from Wilt Chamberlain. As KAJ nailed the record-setting turnaround skyhook over defensive maestro Mark Eaton, Chick Hearn was in awe. He exclaimed, ”What a shot!”. After admiring “The Captain”, and as Jabbar’s parents hugged him, Hearn declared,”This man has accomplished something that I don’t believe. And I mean it sincerely, I don’t think this will happen ever again”.

As someone who was a part of the Lakers commentary crew for multiple decades, he has seen it all from the era of Jerry West to Kobe Bryant. He was a witness to the glory that came under the ownership of the Buss family.

However, after 39 years, LBJ finally proved Hearn wrong. He went on to make history by nailing a fadeaway over Kenrich Williams. Jeanie Buss, who witnessed this, couldn’t be happier.

The Lakers owner showed up on The Athletic NBA show, hosted by veteran journalists David Aldridge and Marcus Thompson. Recalling the harrowing 2022-23 Regular Season, she touched upon one of the obvious “bright spots”. She stated,” Watching LeBron break Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s All-Time scoring record. I was there when Kareem set the record. And I will never forget Chick Hearn saying this is a record that will never be broken. And it was broken in my lifetime by another person wearing a Lakers jersey, meant the world to me. It was really a testament to LeBron and his longevity in this league. And his resiliency, that he performs at such a high level.”

The Lakers franchise owners keep witnessing history. 

LBJ can break another Kareem record next season

KAJ’s list of achievements is non-exhaustive. As someone who battled against some of the toughest Centers, he had a career with an impressive 19 All-Star appearances. LBJ has the same amount of All-Star appearances.

If he remains healthy, then there is no doubt he will make the team again. If he does so, he will become the only player to have touched the 20 mark when it comes to All-Star teams.

READ MORE: 8 Years After Dominating LeBron James Using His Own Tactics, Warriors Legend Gives the Lakers Star His Flowers for Revolutionizing ‘Small Ball’

When it happens, Buss will be once again basking in the glory of King James.

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