Despite LeBron's record-breaking performance,
the Lakers lose to the Thunder.
On a stepback jumper late in the third quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' 133-130 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, LeBron James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
Abdul-Jabbar, who watched the game from a baseline seat next to the Lakers bench, had held the record since April 1984. James surpassed it. After the historic basket, Abdul-Jabbar joined an obviously moved James and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the court.
A star-studded audience gathered courtside to see James, along with his mother, wife, and kids, as they watched with anticipation practically every time he touched the ball.
James didn't let them down, scoring 20 points in the first half while showcasing his offensive prowess, which is still blindingly bright after 20 years in the NBA. He then broke the mark with a record-breaking 16 points in the third quarter, which was completed with that stunning jump shot.
For roughly ten minutes, the game was halted while James gave his family hugs and took part in a little ceremony with Silver and Abdul-Jabbar.
James remarked, "I simply want to thank the Laker faithful. "You people are unique in the world. It is really gratifying to be able to be in the company of such a legendary figure as Kareem."
James' most recent entry into NBA history occurred at a crucial time for the Lakers, who are fighting to make any progress and prevent the embarrassment of missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year. James made his imprint, but the Lakers suffered yet another disheartening defeat.
Only 13 points were scored by Anthony Davis, and the Thunder never trailed in the second stanza. James has 38,390 points in his career, three more than Abdul-Jabbar, despite scoring just two points in the fourth quarter.
For the Thunder, who moved 1 1/2 games clear of the 13th-place Lakers near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points and Jalen Williams added 25.
Even though they weren't able to do anything to protect James, the young Thunder seemed to thrive off the energy produced by his historic night. Oklahoma City made approximately 60% of its shots in the first half and surged out to a 15-point lead.
Thunder: Josh Giddey scored 20 points. Mike Muscala, a former forward for the Lakers, scored 16 points.
Austin Reaves, who had missed 16 games due to a hamstring ailment, played seven scoreless minutes for the Lakers. Russell Westbrook finished with 27 points and 8 rebounds.
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