LeBron James Becomes First NBA Player to Reach 50,000 Career Points

LeBron James has added another historic milestone to his legendary career. On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers star became the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 combined points in the regular season and playoffs.

Lebron James reached the milestone early in the first quarter of the Lakers’ dominant 136-115 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, draining a three-pointer from the wing. The achievement came just two days after he fell one point short of the mark in the Lakers’ victory over the Clippers.

Lebron James, already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, continues to extend his lead in the record books. He surpassed Michael Jordan’s playoff scoring record in 2017 and broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record in 2023.

Now, with over 50,000 total points, he sits far ahead of the closest challengers—Abdul-Jabbar, who finished his career with 44,149 combined points, and Karl Malone with 41,689.

A Scoring Streak of 40

Despite being in his 22nd NBA season, James remains an elite scorer. Entering Tuesday’s game, he was averaging 24.8 points, 8.6 assists, and eight rebounds per game while shooting nearly 52% from the field. Since turning 40 in December, he has recorded multiple 40-point games, a feat only Michael Jordan has accomplished at that age.

Against the Pelicans, James delivered another standout performance, finishing with 34 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Luka Dončić, who assisted on James’ historic shot, had an impressive game himself with 30 points and 15 assists, joining James, Magic Johnson, and Jerry West as the only Lakers to post that stat line.

The Lakers improved to 39-21 on the season with the win, keeping their momentum in a competitive Western Conference. Jaxson Hayes contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds, making all eight of his field goal attempts.

For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson led with 37 points and six assists, but it wasn’t enough to stop New Orleans from falling to 17-45.

With James still playing at an elite level, the longevity of his scoring record remains uncertain—but for now, his dominance in NBA history is undisputed.