LeBron James has proved that he is among the all-time greats in his twenty NBA seasons. People generally argue between him and Michael Jordan regarding the GOAT debate. However, King James has surpassed MJ in terms of scoring and assist records. Moreover, in terms of individual accomplishments, only a handful of players even come close to LeBron James. Most importantly, at 38, he broke the all-time scoring record of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The Lakers’ ‘Captain’ held that record for the same 38 years as how old James is at present. Apparently, KAJ was present in that game to pass the torch and congratulate the new scoring leader. But the humiliating loss in the hands of the team from Colorado, the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals this season made him contemplate his retirement. LeBron James did give a couple of cryptic hints after the elimination. However, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spoke about those hints with the LA Times’ Dan Woike.
Kareem Says It Should Be LeBron’s Decision Alone If He Wants To Quit Now
While discussing LeBron James’ retirement, the ‘Captain’ made it clear that it should be LeBron’s decision alone. According to him, “He has nothing left to prove in NBA. If he wants to do it at this stage of his life, it is his call to take.” The King would have liked to win more championships before the day arrives when he will announce his retirement. But it is not like he has not won any. LeBron James has four championships under his belt. And no matter what people say about him not being successful with the Los Angeles Lakers, he did win the 2019-20 season with them. It was the same duo who helped the Los Angeles Lakers win their 17th title and led the side to the Western Conference Final this season.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis have great chemistry on and off the court. Hence, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, it is highly unlikely that James would even consider leaving the Lakers to join Kyrie Irving in Dallas Mavericks. Charania, on a podcast show, The Ryen Russillo, explained that he believes James is happy in LA. His son Bronny will go to USC the following year. Moreover, if he had to reunite with his Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Irving, James would like him to join the Lakers. However, even that trade looks a bit of an unlikely scenario.
Only LeBron James Could Break Kareem’s Other Record
It was among the best moments of the current season when LeBron James became the new leader surpassing the ‘Captain’ wearing the same franchise’s jersey. Many players, including the greats of the game like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and so on, have dreamt about surpassing KAJ, but no one could.
Not even Kobe Bryant, a long-time rival of LeBron, could reach Kareem’s record, albeit he surpassed MJ’s scoring record. But only one man could, and he is none other than LeBron James. However, he does not live for personal glory as much as he wants to win titles for his team. He has mentioned many times that winning championships is the only motivation that drives him.
