Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James achieved another significant milestone in his illustrious career by becoming the first NBA player to surpass 39,000 career points in the regular season.
LeBron James becomes the first player in NBA history to reach 39,000 points! pic.twitter.com/b6JeESJ6kA
— NBA (@NBA) November 22, 2023
Such accomplishment is remarkable, considering scoring has never been his primary focus. Instead, the four-time NBA champion is known for his unselfish playstyle, prioritizing creating opportunities and making plays for the whole team's benefit.
As he crosses past the 39,000 points mark without signs of slowing down, let us take a look at the 38-year-old's greatest scoring performances in his career.
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5. February 20, 2009 - 55 points, Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks
James was on a rampant tear during the 2008-09 season en route to his first NBA Most Valuable Player award, with his standout performance coming at a road game against the Bucks just after that year's All-Star Game.
The then 24-year-old dropped 55 points in 16-of-29 shooting from the field and 8-of-11 from three-point land in 40 minutes of play. He added five rebounds and nine assists as the Cavaliers took a 111-103 win on the road.
James had the opportunity to add more easy points as he only went 15-of-22 from the free throw line.
4. March 20, 2005 - 56 points, Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors
This game marked one of the earliest standout performances in James' career and would stand as his career-high for almost nine years, showcasing the unleashed potential that made him one of the most hyped prospects ever.
At the age of 20 and only in his second NBA season, James dropped 56 points on 18-36 shooting from the field, 6-12 from three, and 14-15 from the line, playing the entire road game against the Toronto Raptors.
However, despite James' efforts, Jalen Rose and James' fellow 2003 draftee, Chris Bosh, combined for 41 points, ultimately leading the Raptors to a 105-98 victory.
3. March 5, 2022 - 56 points, Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors
Despite scoring 56 points as well, this particular feat holds greater significance as it occurred during James' 19th season in the NBA against the eventual champions of that season, the Golden State Warriors and his long-time rival, Stephen Curry.
Aged 37 during this game, James had his best scoring output in a Lakers uniform, adding ten rebounds and hitting six threes while shooting 19-of-31 from the field.
James led a fourth-quarter comeback to help the purple and gold claim a huge 124-116 home win over the Dubs.
4. November 3, 2017 - 57 points, Cleveland Cavaliers vs Washington Wizards
Another exceptional performance in James' career came when he was 32 during his second stint with the Cavs.
In an early regular season game, James exploded for 57 points, adding 11 boards and seven dimes as the Cavs took a 130-122 road win over the Washington Wizards, snapping a four-game skid.
The four-time NBA MVP shot 23-of-34 from the field and a perfect 9-of-9 on the free throw line in his highest-scoring game in a Cavs uniform.
1. March 3, 2014 - 61 points, Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats
James' career-best scoring output came during his time with the Miami Heat when he was 29.
The then-reigning NBA Most Valuable Player found his rhythm early, nailing his first eight triples as he poured 61 points, seven rebounds, and four assists against the Charlotte Bobcats.
James was ultra-efficient in 41 minutes of action, shooting 22-of-33 from the field, 8-of-10 from three, and 9-of-12 from the free throw line as the Heat claimed a dominant 124-107 home win.
The scoring output remains a Heat franchise record for most points scored by a player in a single game.
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