With a reign of 20 years in the NBA, LeBron James isn’t new to the history books. Arguably a freak of nature, the King is one of the most complete basketball players in NBA history. While he might never become the undisputed GOAT, his 20th season holds the potential to immensely solidify his case. Notably, just one man stands in his way to being the all-time leading NBA scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ legendary center’s record seemed unbeatable for several decades. Accumulating 38,387 points throughout his six-time championship-winning career, Abdul-Jabbar set the benchmark high. No NBA player seemed to get close with the best attempt coming from Karl Malone who was still over 1000 points shy. However, just when it seemed impossible, a rookie from 2003 was about to make a huge dent in NBA history. Just 1,325 points separate the Akron Hammer from sitting at the apex.
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However, another Lakers great could also be on his radar. Notably, one of the finest passers in the game, Magic Johnson could also have his tally surpassed by James.
LeBron James could achieve an unbelievable feat all in one season
The era of the Showtime Los Angeles Lakers was undoubtedly special. The combination of Kareem Abdul-Jabar and Magic Johnson was truly lethal. One of the most exciting shows in sports history had two historic commanders. The great center was a nearly unstoppable offensive great. On the other hand, Magic Johnson certainly had the spark in his fingers. Breaking down the entire floor with his surreal passes, the two made history side by side. However, LeBron James has both in his range heading into the 20th season.
While Abdul-Jabbar’s record is the main attraction, James is just 97 assists shy of passing up Johnson. Likewise, NBA fans dropped into a state of shock.
With the points record in front, James’ elite court vision and passing IQ have been in the shadows. A pass-first guy, James became the only player in the decorated history of the NBA to have 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists. The four-time champion ranks 7th on the list of all-time passers, just shy of Magic’s tally.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
Guy is gone overtake Magic and Kareem in one season… haters gonna have to do some serious reaching this season! https://t.co/Diz3LcEraS
— Jack Centra (@JackCentra) September 28, 2022
I can’t believe how much I’ve seen this man under appreciated. We will never ever see him again https://t.co/trF5XvUAZx
— Justice (@JusticeReid2) September 27, 2022
This man LeBron is really about to pass Kareem and Magic in the same season! Wild 🤯 #NBA @KingJames @Lakers https://t.co/D9tyl8cYxR
— 🇺🇸A.W. The Prezident🇺🇸 (@AWThePrezident) September 27, 2022
He’s going to pass Kareem for scoring and Magic for passing in the same year?? That’s unreal man https://t.co/An5fE7VZo4
— 👨🏼🦲Jeff✌🏼☝🏼🖐🏼 (@Philly_Bul215) September 27, 2022
An insane statistic considering everyone else in the top 10 scorer’s list has about half of the assists.
Luka’s gonna need to average 80 games a season to even keep up and he’s probably the only one with a shot at it. https://t.co/ueVIWncfwb
— Mario Banks (@mbanksHDL) September 27, 2022
we’re breaking two records this season https://t.co/YQK3KnUuUH pic.twitter.com/yHBHDLRGHK
— Katleho (@uncannyxkatleho) September 27, 2022
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The potential of history-making for LeBron James next season exceeds the charts. Over his 20-year career, the Lakers forward has never managed to record less than 349 assists. Hence, this season alone James could take over the 4th position among the elite list of passers.
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While James surpassing Magic Johnson might not make him a better passer, the feat is enough to change the course of NBA history. Arguably no other player has dominated basketball in all facets like the King.
As the countdown for a much anticipated 20th season comes closer, do you think LeBron James will achieve both these milestones? Let us know your views in the comments below.