In a historic night at the Crypto.com Arena, LeBron James added yet another accolade to his illustrious career, surpassing Michael Jordan for the most 30-point games in NBA history. The achievement came during the Lakers’ 119-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, as James scored his 30th point on a signature turnaround fadeaway jumper in the fourth quarter.
The milestone marks James’ 563rd career 30-point game, eclipsing Jordan’s previous record of 562. Remarkably, James reached the feat in his 1,523rd game over 22 seasons, while Jordan set the mark in 1,072 games across 15 seasons.
A Humble King Pays Homage to His Idol
After the game, an emotional James reflected on the significance of breaking a record held by his childhood hero:
It’s very humbling. Anytime I’m mentioned with any of the greats, and arguably the greatest ever to play the game, super cool. It’s someone I idolized in my childhood, and I wear 23 because of him.
LeBron James
James, who grew up in Akron, Ohio, has never shied away from expressing his admiration for Jordan. When he passed the Bulls legend for fourth place on the all-time scoring list in 2019, James was moved to tears, calling Jordan “an inspiration” and “the lightning in a bottle for me.”
Mastering the Craft: A Nod to MJ’s Fadeaway
In a poetic twist, James’ record-breaking shot was a turnaround fadeaway jumper, a move perfected by Jordan throughout his career. James acknowledged the influence, noting the subtle differences in their techniques:
He was more of a left-shoulder fadeaway guy. I kind of go the opposite way. But it’s two masters of their craft, putting in work and work and work to the point where it kind of becomes unguardable.
LeBron James
Longevity and Legacy: No Signs of Slowing Down
At 40 years old, James continues to defy expectations and showcase his incredible longevity. Just one night prior, he tied Jordan’s 30-point record while scoring 38 against the Portland Trail Blazers, the third-most points ever scored by a player over 40.
James’ teammate Anthony Davis playfully ribbed him about the time it took to break the record, saying, “It took him seven more seasons. But that’s obviously a hell of an accomplishment. I think he’s probably No. 1 f—ing everything at this point.”
With no plans to hang up his sneakers anytime soon, James remains focused on his love for the game:
I just love the game. … I still have a little bit left in the tank, so I guess I’ll go until it’s kind of empty, I guess.
LeBron James
The GOAT Debate Intensifies
As James continues to etch his name in the record books, the debate over who is the greatest player of all time only intensifies. While Jordan’s six championships and undefeated Finals record remain the gold standard, James’ longevity, versatility, and statistical dominance have made him a strong contender for the title.
With this latest milestone, James has once again reminded the basketball world of his greatness and his relentless pursuit of excellence. As he chases more records and, potentially, another championship, one thing is certain: the King’s legacy will continue to grow, and his impact on the game will be felt for generations to come.