LeBron James stands as an icon in basketball, and one of the most frequently asked questions by fans revolves around his scoring prowess: Just How Many Points Does Lebron James Have In His Career? The answer is a testament to his enduring excellence and unparalleled longevity in the NBA. As of today, LeBron James has etched his name in history by becoming the first player ever to surpass 50,000 career points across both the regular season and playoffs. This achievement not only underscores his scoring dominance but also his remarkable consistency over two decades in the league.
To truly grasp the magnitude of LeBron’s scoring record, it’s essential to break it down. He holds the NBA record for the most regular season points, surpassing the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on February 7, 2023. Abdul-Jabbar’s record had stood for an incredible 39 years, highlighting the significance of LeBron’s ascent. But his scoring dominance doesn’t stop there. LeBron also reigns supreme in playoff scoring, having overtaken Michael Jordan’s record on May 25, 2017, a record that had stood for 19 years. These dual records firmly establish LeBron as the ultimate scorer in NBA history, accumulating a staggering 49,999 total points before a recent game against the Pelicans.
What makes this 50,000-point milestone even more impressive is the level at which LeBron is currently playing. In February, leading up to this achievement, he averaged an impressive 29.3 points per game, shooting with remarkable efficiency – 55.5% from the field and 44.3% from beyond the 3-point line. This scoring burst marked his highest monthly average since January 2022 and his best shooting percentages since March 2024, showcasing that even at this stage of his career, LeBron remains a dominant offensive force. Adding to his list of accolades, February also saw LeBron make history again by becoming the first player aged 40 or older to record multiple 40+ point games. Michael Jordan was the only other 40-year-old to achieve a 40-point game, scoring 43 points in 2003.
Two words consistently associated with LeBron James’s career are “consistency” and “longevity,” and they are pivotal in understanding his journey to 50,000 points. His consistency is exemplified by his scoring average. Currently averaging 24.8 points per game this season, LeBron is just shy of securing his 21st consecutive season averaging at least 25 points. To put this into perspective, Kevin Durant is the next closest player with 17 such seasons, and no other player in NBA history has more than 12. This consistent high-level scoring year after year is a testament to his enduring impact. His longevity is equally remarkable. While 11 players have played for two decades in the NBA, only seven have reached 21 seasons, and a mere two – LeBron and Vince Carter – have played an astounding 22 seasons. LeBron is playing at an All-Star caliber level in his 22nd season, currently ranked 14th in scoring and 5th in assists in the league, defying typical age-related decline and continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in basketball.
Beyond total points, LeBron’s overall statistical contributions are equally impressive. He leads the league in total field goals made with 18,288 and ranks second in free throws made with 10,418, trailing only Karl Malone. He also stands fifth in 3-pointers made with 3,005, behind sharpshooters like Steph Curry, James Harden, Ray Allen, and Klay Thompson. These statistics paint a picture of a player who scores in a multitude of ways and at an incredibly high volume throughout his career.
Adding team success to his individual achievements, LeBron’s Lakers are currently on a six-game winning streak and have climbed to second in the Western Conference standings since January 15th. With the Lakers aiming for a top-six finish to guarantee a playoff spot, LeBron has not only the remaining regular season games but also a likely playoff run to further extend his career scoring totals. Looking ahead, LeBron is on the verge of entering uncharted territory, as no player has ever played 23 seasons in the NBA. His career is already filled with unprecedented milestones, and reaching the 50,000 total point club is just the latest chapter in his legendary story. This milestone cements his legacy as not just one of the greatest, but statistically the most prolific scorer the game has ever witnessed.
