USA Today via Reuters
Dec 30, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 30, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James had a massive birthday celebration yesterday, wherein he posted 47 points with 10 rebounds and 9 assists. He also led the Los Angeles Lakers to a much-need 130-121 win over the Atlanta Hawks. LeBron James’ performance was lauded by the world over, including an NBA legend whose record LeBron may soon surpass.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar tweeted, “Happy birthday, LeBron. 38 is the new 38,388“. However, NBA fans online couldn’t help but wonder if the wish was truly heartfelt.
LeBron James edges closer to a new all-time league-record
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It could have possibly been considered a farce if anybody thought someone could dethrone Kareem Abdul-Jabber as the all-time scorer in NBA history. It is a crown he has earned and worn since 1984.
The NBA world on social media reacted to the 19-time All-Star’s birthday message for LeBron James and seemingly questioned his intentions.
I sense some type of bitterness! No need to be bitter Kareem you are the gold standard
— pwbr1 (@Philwayne1) December 31, 2022
“Happy birthday, LeBron. 38 is the new 38,388.” pic.twitter.com/tcRMG5KRam
— Depressed Lakers fan (@oprahsideclark) December 31, 2022
https://twitter.com/MannyDestura/status/1609231391761522692?s=20&t=YzlSd5rAK3gHXHJc-D9Wig
Ik you punching the air rn
— maxchristiemvp (@hunnybun98) December 31, 2022
Tf you want him to do. If he didn’t say this you’d be calling him salty when LeBron finally does break the record.
— BuckStorm (@BuckStorm34) December 31, 2022
We know this not Kareem and knows how Kareem really feels
— russ (@thatdamnruss) January 1, 2023
As per Sports Illustrated, “Abdul-Jabbar scored 38,387 career points in 20 seasons with the [Milwaukee] Bucks and [Los Angeles] Lakers.” LeBron James is also in his 20th season and has garnered 37,860 points so far. He is 527 points away from what had seemed like an untouchable, invincible goalpost.
Read More: LeBron James Is Targeting Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ?More Than Anything? Due to Haters, Believes 3x NBA Champion?
ESPN also predicted that “At his career scoring average of 27.1 PPG, James would need 20 games to rack up that total, putting him on track to break the record on Feb. 9 against the Milwaukee Bucks“.
Is it a bitter pill to swallow for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Magic Johnson believes that it would a bitter pill to swallow for Abdul-Jabber. In his interview with Shannon Sharpe, Magic shared his thoughts on Lebron James passing up on Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time record.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 30, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots past Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) in the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
He said, “If I got to be honest, Kareem isn’t going to handle it well… And it is a dude that’s playing for the Lakers“.
Watch This Story: Magic Johnson Drops the Hammer on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as LeBron James Nears Iconic NBA Scoring Record
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I think he thought he was going to have [the record] forever“, Johnson added. Shannon Sharpe also reiterated that Kareem Abdul-Jabbars’ main legacy was the record he had maintained for many decades, but likely not for much longer.
What did you make of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s message? Let us know in the comments below.
