LeBron James reaches 40,000 career points / News - Basketnews.com

LeBron James made history at Crypto.com Arena, becoming the first NBA player to reach 40,000 points and receiving a standing ovation.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect - Scanpix

In a showdown at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night, basketball fans witnessed a historic moment as Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James became the first NBA player to achieve the feat of 40,000 points.

LeBron James

MIN:35.04PTS:25.24 (57.27%)REB:7.15As:7.8ST:1.26BL:0.61TO:3.26GM:54ProfileNBA2023/2024

The stage was set for a prime-time clash on ABC, pitting James against two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Needing just nine points to reach the milestone, James wasted no time, dazzling the crowd with a layup early in the second quarter, securing his place in the 40K club.

"To hit feats and have milestones throughout my career, they all mean something to me. Absolutely," he noted after the game. "Obviously, there's a pecking order of which ones are higher than others. But I would be lying to you if I said no, it doesn't mean anything. It absolutely does.

"But, for me, the main thing is always the main thing, and that's to win, and I hate that, that had to happen in a defeat, especially versus a team that plays extremely well basketball, and we played some good basketball tonight but weren't able to close it out," he added. "Bittersweet, but I enjoyed every moment tonight on the floor."

James received a standing ovation at the next timeout, while coach Darvin Ham gave him a congratulatory pat on the chest. There was an in-arena video presentation, which was preceded and followed by James raising the ball over his head.

James finished the night with a team-high 26 points and nine assists in a 124-114 loss.

LeBron passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for No. 1 scorer all-time just over a year ago.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone spent five seasons with James as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005-10 and remains in awe of how he is able to still play at such a high level.

"I don't get caught up in the number per se, but you just have to marvel at the continued greatness," Malone said.

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