Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on April 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
On Tuesday evening, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the New Orleans Pelicans in California.
The Lakers won by a score of 110-101.
James put up 21 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two blocks while shooting 8/12 from the field and 1/5 from three-point range in 33 minutes of playing time.
LeBron James Is On The Verge Of Major NBA History
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 03: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a slam dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 03, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
James came into the night with a chance to make major NBA history.
The NBA wrote (on Tuesday afternoon): “MILESTONE KING: LeBron James is on the verge of becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in career field goals made. Entering the Los Angeles Lakers’ matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight (10:30 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass), he needs 11 field goals to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 15,837. James already holds the NBA record for career points, ranks second in free throws made and is sixth in three-pointers made.”
James is now just three field goals away, which means that he is more than likely going to break the record on Thursday night when the Lakers visit the Denver Nuggets in Colorado.
BronMuse wrote: “Most field goals made in NBA history: 15,837 — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 15,836 15,835 — LeBron James Next game, we’ll witness history.”
GettyLos Angeles, CA, Tuesday, February7, 2023 – LeBron James thanks fans after post game interviews after a game where he attained the NBA scoring title against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
James is in his 23rd NBA season (and eighth playing for the Lakers).
He came into the night with averages of 21.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 49.9% from the field and 32.0% from three-point range in 42 games.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin also added an interesting note before Tuesday’s game.
McMenamin wrote: “LeBron will actually pass Kareem on his first made field goal tonight. He had 10 FGM in a December 2023 game that the league refuses to count towards regular season stats since it was the in-season tournament championship (even though all other IST games stats count for reg szn)”
The Lakers are having another solid regular season.
They are the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 37-24 record in 61 games.
At home, the Lakers have gone 18-12 in 30 games.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a free throw against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
More Heavy on Lakers
Loading more stories
