LeBron James nearing 40,000 career points: 40 stats about latest milestone for NBA’s all-time leading scorer

LeBron James stands merely nine points away from an unprecedented milestone, poised to become the first player in NBA history to achieve the remarkable 40,000 career points mark.

This imminent feat comes on the heels of his stellar performance, contributing 31 points and nine assists in the Lakers’ recent overtime victory against the Wizards.

As LeBron inches closer to this historic achievement, let’s take a comprehensive look at 40 intriguing facets of his journey to 40K, exploring various aspects such as his unparalleled longevity, incredible scoring statistics, and numerous scoring feats.

LeBron boasts an impressive streak of scoring at least 10 points in 1,204 consecutive games, surpassing Michael Jordan’s 866-game streak. He has consistently ranked in the top 20 in points per game for all 21 seasons of his career, setting an NBA record for the longest such streak.

James is both the youngest (21) and oldest (37) player to average 30 points per game in a season.
The Lakers star is the sole player in NBA history with a 40-point game against every one of the league’s 30 teams.

Remarkably, LeBron has scored 40 or more points in all but one season of his illustrious career (2015-16).
Currently averaging 25.3 points per game, he holds the highest scoring average for a player in his 21st season or later.

LeBron occupies the top 13 spots for the highest-scoring games by a player in his 21st season or later.

His scoring consistency this season (25.7 PPG) is unparalleled, surpassing the combined total of others in their 21st season or later. LeBron accumulated 2,566 career points against teams that underwent relocation or name changes, showcasing his scoring versatility.

The Lakers icon is the only player in NBA history to rank in the top 10 for both career scoring average and games played.

As the league’s oldest player, LeBron remains a double-digit scorer, a feat not achieved since John Stockton in 2002-03.

LeBron’s first NBA points were scored over 20 years ago, on October 29, 2003, against the Sacramento Kings, initiating a career-long journey against father-son duos.

Looking ahead, he could become the first player to score as a teenager and in his 40s, as he approaches 40 years of age in December.

LeBron has amassed more career points than Larry Bird and Magic Johnson combined (39,498).

Even if he went scoreless for 125 consecutive games, his career scoring average would surpass Kobe Bryant’s (25.0).

LeBron surpassed Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list around five years ago (March 6, 2019).

If he never made a three-pointer or free throw in his career, he would still outscore Kevin Durant. He scored 133 points with his team eliminated from playoff contention, constituting 0.3% of his career total.

Since his last MVP season in 2012-13, LeBron has outscored Tracy McGrady‘s entire career.

LeBron has scored over 11,000 points since his last foul-out in a game (April 9, 2017).

He shares the same number of career 50-point games (14) as all players in Celtics history combined.
LeBron boasts more 50-point games than games with single-digit points (8).

A full season of his lowest-scoring games would still equal the career scoring average of Hall of Famer Jason Kidd (12.6 PPG).

LeBron has never scored exactly 49 points in a regular-season game (twice in the playoffs).
He clinched his sole scoring title in 2007-08 (30.0 PPG) during the Seattle SuperSonics’ final season before becoming the Thunder.

LeBron could miss 304 straight shots and maintain a career field goal percentage of exactly 50%.
He does not hold the highest-scoring game against any single franchise in NBA history.

LeBron became the first player to reach 30,000, 35,000, and soon 40,000 points, all in a Lakers uniform.
Against the Bulls, he accumulated 1,803 career points, the highest against any team in his illustrious career.

Incredible Scoring Feats:

LeBron set the record for the most points in a game in Miami Heat history (61 on March 3, 2014, vs. Charlotte Bobcats).

He holds the most 30-point games on 50% shooting in NBA history (429).

LeBron achieved a 13-game streak with at least 25 points on 50% shooting last season, sharing the record with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shaquille O’Neal.

He stands as the youngest player in NBA history to reach every 1,000-point milestone, from 1K to 39K.
LeBron averages at least 25 points per game against every franchise except the Pistons (24.1).

He is the only player to average at least 26 points per game for three different franchises (Heat, Lakers, Cavaliers) with a minimum of 100 games for each team.

Scoring Every Possible Way:

LeBron is the lone player in NBA history ranking in the top 10 in points off twos, threes, and free throws.

He ranks fourth in both dunks and 30+ footers made in the shot-tracking era (since 1996-97), uniquely placing him in the top 30 for both.

LeBron leads the NBA in points in clutch time, on fast breaks, and in the paint since being tracked in 1996-97.

He has topped the league in clutch-time scoring (final five minutes, score within five points) three times (2007-08, 2009-10, 2017-18).

With the Lakers, 25% of his points come from 3-point range, a feat not achieved in his previous three career stops.

As LeBron James approaches the 40,000-point mark, these 40 facts underscore the unparalleled brilliance and versatility that define his extraordinary scoring journey in the NBA.