History is within sight in the 2022-23 season for LeBron James to overtake Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time top scorer but he admits the record is “overwhelming”.
James, who turns 38 in December, overtook Karl Malone into second on the all-time points scoring list last season and is 1,355 points away from six-time NBA MVP Abdul-Jabbar.
The Los Angeles Lakers small forward appears in good shape, despite playing only 107 games across the past two seasons with a raft of injuries holding him back.
James also appears determined, following the Lakers’ dismal 2021-22 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs. Plus there’s the added attraction of making history.
“To be here and know that I’m on the verge of probably breaking the most sought-after record in the NBA, something that people were saying was probably never going to happen, it’s super overwhelming for me and super cool,” James said.
“Every time my name is mentioned among the greats, like Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or others, it’s super overwhelming.”
Despite the Lakers’ struggles last season, James averaged 30.3 points per game which was the second best return of his career. It was also his best scoring return since the 2005-06 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, only the third of his professional NBA career.
The four-time NBA MVP and four-time NBA champion is determined to get the Lakers back in the playoffs, with Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook also both set to play a key part.
Davis battled injuries last season, playing only 40 games, while Westbrook struggled to adjust to the new side after his move from the Washington Wizards, averaging only 18.5 points per game, his lowest since 2009-10.
“I look forward to being a part of the journey with him this year,” James said about Westbrook.
“It’s going to be a great year for him. We’re going to be right there with him. We’re here and it starts tomorrow - it’s all about putting in the work.”
The 2022-23 NBA season is due to commence on October 18.
