LeBron James Nears Another NBA Record, Closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Field Goals Made
Los Angeles – LeBron James is on the verge of adding another milestone to his storied NBA career, needing just 11 field goals to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time record of 15,837. The Los Angeles Lakers star can potentially break the record tonight when they face the New Orleans Pelicans.
At 39 years classic, James continues to defy expectations and rewrite the NBA record book. He already holds the league’s all-time scoring record, a feat he achieved in 2023, surpassing Abdul-Jabbar in total points. He currently ranks second in all-time free throws made and sixth in three-pointers made, demonstrating a well-rounded offensive game that has defined his two-decade-plus career.
The Pursuit of Perfection: A Record Within Reach
As of March 3, 2026, James has made 15,827 field goals in his career. He’s averaging 7.9 field goals per game this season, his second-lowest mark since his rookie year (7.9 in 2003-04), suggesting the record could fall either tonight against New Orleans or on Thursday when the Lakers face the Denver Nuggets. This pursuit is particularly noteworthy given the evolution of the game; James has accumulated these field goals with a significantly higher volume of three-point attempts than Abdul-Jabbar ever took during his era.
The Lakers’ game against the Pelicans, scheduled for tonight, presents a prime opportunity for James to etch his name further into NBA history. While the stakes may not be as high as a playoff contest, the chance to surpass a legend like Abdul-Jabbar is a significant motivator for a player who has consistently demonstrated a relentless pursuit of greatness.
Echoes of a Past Torch Passing
The pursuit of this record draws parallels to a similar moment in NBA history. In 1987, a 39-year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar found himself largely overlooked by the media following a game, as the spotlight had shifted to a younger Magic Johnson. As Abdul-Jabbar noted at the time, “I’m less a part of the focus than I was in the past, but that’s the nature of sports.”
While James is still extremely much a focal point for the Lakers and the NBA, the dynamic of a team evolving around younger stars – like Luka Dončić, who has been mentioned in comparisons to Magic Johnson’s relationship with Abdul-Jabbar – is a narrative that continues to unfold. The Ringer noted this parallel, suggesting the blueprint for navigating longevity in the NBA has already been written.
Beyond Field Goals: James’ Continued Excellence
This season, James has shown he can still contribute at a high level, even as he enters the twilight of his career. Despite taking on a different role within the Lakers’ offense, he’s averaging 21.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7 assists in 42 games. His recent eight-day absence to rehabilitate a left foot injury highlighted the importance of managing his health as he continues to push the boundaries of athletic longevity.
Anthony Davis, James’ teammate, emphasized the impact of James’ leadership, stating that his voice is what the team missed during his absence. Davis’s comments underscore James’ continued influence on the court, even as his physical capabilities evolve.
What’s Next for the King?
Following tonight’s game against the Pelicans, the Lakers will travel to Denver to face the Nuggets on Thursday. This provides James with another immediate opportunity to surpass Abdul-Jabbar’s record. Regardless of when he achieves this milestone, it will undoubtedly be another historic moment in a career filled with them.
The Lakers are currently navigating a competitive Western Conference landscape, and James’ continued contributions will be crucial to their playoff aspirations. As he closes in on this latest record, the focus remains on team success and the pursuit of another NBA championship.
Fans can follow the Lakers’ progress and James’ pursuit of the record on the NBA’s official website ([https://www.nba.com/](https://www.nba.com/)) and through ESPN ([https://www.espn.com/nba/](https://www.espn.com/nba/)).
The Lakers’ game against the Pelicans tips off tonight. Stay tuned for updates.
