LeBron James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer on Tuesday night. James, who scored 38 points in the Lakers’ 133-130 loss to the Thunder, now has 38,390 points. Abdul-Jabbar is second with 38,387 points.
The feat drew platitudes from around the NBA community on social media. Chief among them was Magic Johnson, a teammate of legend Abdul-Jabbar on the “Showtime” Lakers of the 1980s.
“This historic moment is very special because we will never see another LeBron James.” Johnson tweeted.. “He has always been a pass-first leader with a one-of-a-kind ability to make his teammates better. Which makes breaking his record even more incredible!
Some current NBA stars were also surprised.
“Congratulations @KingJames …legendary stuff right there,” the Warriors superstar Stephen Curry posted on Twitter. With a greeting emoji. “#38388”
“38388 and counting… Congratulations @KingJames!!” Suns guard Chris Paul added.
And of course, some of the most active Twitter analysts of the last generation are also included.
“It’s an honor to say that I had the opportunity to match with The GaoT,” Paul Pierce wrote after the record fell. “I didn’t always recognize you as the king but you are truly the king #lRespect No player in NBA history has had more pressure to exceed expectations in the league. Not only did you live up to it, you did it. Left behind #allhailtheKing”
If there’s any debate over James’ place in the game, Kendrick Perkins was among those who didn’t have one Tuesday night.
“I don’t want to hear sh-t!” Perkins wrote. “I’m not arguing when it comes to the GOAT. Old heads, haters, trolls… sit it out! I’ve always believed it but now it’s solid and nothing to argue about. Save…Carry.The.Hell On!Congratulations my brother @KingJames.
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