CNN
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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 career points, reaching the milestone during the team's home game against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
The NBA's all-time leading scorer made the historic basket on a left-handed layup 10:41 into the second quarter, prompting loud cheers from fans at Crypto.com Arena.
Both teams continued to make historic baskets until the Lakers called a timeout a minute later. The Lakers released a video tribute to James to honor the milestone during the deadline.
The 39-year-old is in uncharted territory since passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 38,387 points to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer last season.
The four-time NBA champion entered the night nine points shy of the 40,000 mark.
“No one has ever done that. I think it's fantastic to be in this position at this point in my career,” James said Thursday After the team's win against the Washington Wizards. “Is this one of the top things I've done in my career? No. Does this mean anything? Of course, absolutely. Why not?
“To be able to accomplish things in this league, the greatest players to ever play in this league, the NBA, it's been my dream and to have accomplishments and milestones throughout my career, they all mean something to me. .”
James is in his 21st season On average He averaged 25.3 points, 7.9 assists and 7.1 rebounds per game this season, becoming the first player in league history to be named to 20 NBA All-Star teams. Earlier this season, James helped lead the Lakers to the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament Championship, while earning Tournament MVP honors.
In pictures: NBA great LeBron James
