The 7th of February 2023 will be a night remembered throughout all sporting history as the night that Lebron James crowned himself the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Despite the Lakers’ 133 – 130 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron further cemented his name in the history books and increased his legendary status by passing fellow Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record.
LeBron’s rise to stardom from poverty to an all-time great of basketball is a respected and admired story for all athletes worldwide. From struggling with his single-mother Gloria James in Akron Ohio to being drafted straight out of high school to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lebron’s hard work and perseverance resulted in multiple championships, MVPs, records, and accomplishments. His breaking of the NBA’s all-time scoring record inspires people worldwide that anything is possible and anyone can become a global sporting sensation.
Following on Lebron’s record-breaking night, here are some of the world’s most influential sportspeople and media personalities’ reactions to the Lakers game that will live forever in sports history.
The World Commends Lebron
“This is one of the greatest accomplishments in sports history.”
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 8, 2023
Some of the best to ever do it congratulate @KingJames 👏 pic.twitter.com/3nNvmKVYAo
The 4-time league MVP received plaudits from rivals Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. The 4 time NBA Champion was praised by NBA Legends Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal. The 2-time gold medalist was applauded by some of the biggest names outside of sports like Rihanna, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar.
The entire world salutes LeBron’s unmatched basketball brilliance as he becomes the greatest scorer in NBA history.
Lakers Legends Showing Love
Congratulations @KingJames job well done. My boy @IamBlackway had this waiting for you pic.twitter.com/y8ju7fFHeM
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 8, 2023
Congratulations to LeBron for breaking the NBA all-time scoring record with 38,388 career points! 🔥👏🏾@KingJames
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 8, 2023
King James received some love from Lakers legends Shaquille O’Neal and Magic Johnson. Despite his time in Cleveland and Miami, the Laker Nation and the Laker Legends embraced the all-time leading scorer with open arms. Lebron’s 7,352 points as a Laker helped him overtake 6-time NBA Champion and former Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record.
NBA Stars Congratulate King James
Congrats my brother @KingJames 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐 not hearing anything they sayin!! #38388
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) February 8, 2023
Congrats @KingJames …legendary stuff right there 🫡 #38388
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) February 8, 2023
38388 and counting… congratulations @KingJames!!
— Chris Paul (@CP3) February 8, 2023
Fellow members of the Banana Boat Team and good friend Chris Paul celebrated Lebron’s historic night on Twitter. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, who have both had fierce battles against Lebron James over their respective careers at the Golden State Warriors, also applauded the Lakers #6 for his record-breaking performance.
Lebron’s Soccer Influence
Congratulations on becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, @KingJames 👑🏀
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 8, 2023
A truly incredible achievement 👏 pic.twitter.com/5L8adwi2Q3
Even English soccer powerhouse Liverpool tweeted their congratulations to Lebron James. The newest NBA leading scorer acquires a minority stake and is a part-owner of Liverpool Football Club, highlighting his influence on sport worldwide.
Receiving an Official World Record
Hi @KingJames let us know where to send the certificate to 👑
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) February 8, 2023
Guinness World Records are eager to enshrine LeBron James in their history books!
Artists Saluting Lebron
Congrats @KingJames LEGENDARY
— FUTURE/FREEBANDZ (@1future) February 8, 2023
.@KingJames…that’s all that needs to be said 🙏🏾
— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) February 8, 2023
Whilst LeBron’s fame in the sports world is unquestioned, his global popularity is also clear to see. World-renowned musicians such as Usher, Future, Rihanna, Drake, and Snoop Dog are among the endless non-sport celebrities who were watching King James’ legendary 38-point performance against the Thunder.
Where from here for Lebron?
4x NBA Champion, 4x NBA MVP, 4x NBA Finals MVP, 3x All Star MVP, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, 19x All-Star, 13x All-NBA first team. These are just a small hand full of Lebron James’ career achievements and accolades. What more can the future hold for Lebron James? Does Lebron aspire to compete for another ring or simply play with Bronny, his son, in the NBA?
No matter what he achieves from here, the king has achieved all there is to achieve in the NBA and will ultimately go down as one of the best to ever touch a basketball. Regardless of your opinion on the G.O.A.T debate, today is a day to celebrate Lebron for his outstanding career and to be excited for the remainder of his time in the NBA!
