As the NBA season unfolds, all eyes are on LeBron James, as the 20-year veteran continues his pursuit of greatness, aiming to break multiple prestigious records. Last season, we witnessed LeBron shatter Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career scoring mark, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. However, the King is not done yet; he is on the verge of reaching new heights and setting records that may stand the test of time.
LeBron’s Legacy: A Journey Through Records
Entering his 21st season, LeBron is in a prime position to etch his name in the annals of NBA history with several potential records. His unparalleled career has seen him accumulate a staggering 38,652 points, and he is not showing signs of slowing down.
- Minutes Played (Regular Season and Playoffs Combined): Currently holding the playoff record, LeBron is third and ninth in the regular-season list.
- Games Played (Regular Season and Playoffs Combined): With just 94 games, LeBron could surpass Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 1,797 games.
- Field Goals Attempted (Regular Season): LeBron needs only 263 more attempts to break Abdul-Jabbar’s record.
- Field Goals Missed (Regular Season): 589 more misses, and LeBron surpasses Kobe Bryant’s record.
LeBron is on the cusp of creating a 40,000-11,000-11,000 club, potentially being its sole member, showcasing his all-around game and longevity.
Kevin Durant: Aiming for the Top 10
Not far behind, Kevin Durant is making his own mark in the NBA history books. Currently sitting at 26,892 points, Durant is eyeing a spot in the all-time scoring list’s top 10. With a repeat of his last season’s performance, Durant could leapfrog legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and possibly challenge Shaquille O’Neal for the eighth spot.
The Dynamic Duo: Harden and Westbrook
Former teammates James Harden and Russell Westbrook are also on the verge of achieving significant milestones. Both players are nearing the 25,000 career regular-season points mark, with Harden also chasing Ray Allen for the second spot in made 3-pointers.
While they chase these records, Westbrook is also nearing a less flattering one, being only 81 turnovers behind Karl Malone for second in regular-season history.
LeBron James' next milestones and other records to watch this NBA season https://t.co/gDRY62eXW0 #sports #feedly
— K Dubb (@TheReal_KDubb) October 24, 2023
Chris Paul: In Pursuit of Greatness
Chris Paul, the maestro of the court, is not far behind in his pursuit of legacy. Needing 590 assists and 140 steals, Paul is on track to surpass Jason Kidd for second place in both categories. However, John Stockton’s records remain a distant dream, showcasing the incredible longevity and consistency of Stockton’s career.
The Young Guns: Tatum and Dončić
Jayson Tatum and Luka Dončić, the NBA’s bright young stars, are also on pace to reach significant scoring milestones this season. Tatum is just 135 points shy of 10,000 for his career, while Dončić needs 900 points to reach the same mark.
Dončić, with his extraordinary scoring ability, could become the sixth-fastest player in league history to reach 10,000 points, even before turning 25.
Miscellaneous Milestones
Apart from the aforementioned stars, players like Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson, and Nikola Jokić are also on track to reach impressive career milestones this season.
- Lillard is 173 3-pointers away from catching Reggie Miller for fourth on the all-time list.
- Thompson needs just nine 3-pointers to pass Jamal Crawford for 10th on the all-time list.
- Jokić, with 105 triple-doubles, could soon surpass legends like Magic Johnson and possibly reach third on the all-time list.
As the NBA season progresses, fans and historians alike will be keenly watching as these players chase history, break records, and solidify their legacies in the world of basketball.
