LeBron James passed Michael Jordan for fourth place on the NBA all-time scoring list as the Los Angeles Lakers fell to 115-99 loss to the Denver Nuggets
James started the game needing 13 points to surpass Jordan’s 32,292 career total.
With the Lakers trailing 55-35 with 6:45 remaining in the second quarter, James hit a mid-range jumper over Nuggets defender Torrey Craig to reach 12 points on the night and pull level with Jordan.
The @Lakers congratulate @KingJames on becoming 4th all-time in career points! #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/Zgky3FO17e— NBA (@NBA) March 7, 2019
A minute later he received a bounce pass from Rajon Rondo at the top of the key, drove past Nikola Jokic and finished over Craig at the rim to score the basket that took him past the iconic Jordan.
He was fouled by Craig and completed the three-point play at the free throw line.
James was congratulated by Rondo and his other Lakers team-mates as the crowd at Staples Center rose to acknowledge his achievement.
👏 @KingJames reflects on the milestone! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Te1cxOwZp6— NBA (@NBA) March 7, 2019
At the next
James’ next target on the all-time scoring list is Kobe Bryant, who finished his career with 33,643 points.
“You guys have no idea what MJ did for me and my friends growing up. … I thank MJ more than he would ever know.”
—@KingJames after passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list pic.twitter.com/qBhXihINpi— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 7, 2019
NBA All-Time Scoring Leaders
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 38,387 points (1,560 games)
- Karl Malone – 36,928 points (1,476 games)
- Kobe Bryant – 33,643 points (1,346 games)
- LeBron James – 32,311 points (1,190 games)
- Michael Jordan – 32,292 points (1,072 games)
Sadly for James, his historic night did not end with a victory. He poured in 31 points on 13-of-22 shooting but could not prevent the Lakers from falling to a 115-99 defeat, their fourth successive loss.
Will Barton had 23 points and Nikola Jokic finished with 12 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists for Denver. Jamal Murray and Gary Harris scored 19 points each.
That post-win jig. 🕺#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/X2HahBmLF6— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 7, 2019
The Nuggets scored 43 points in the first period, a season high for a quarter for them before James got going. He passed Jordan during a 9-0 Lakers run that got them within 13, but Denver built the lead back up to 18 and when into the half ahead 66-49.
Thrill just snatching shots!#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/dkUgjj6kyu— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 7, 2019