LeBron James paused time on February 7, 2023, when his fadeaway jumper pushed him past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. That shot, and the embrace that followed, linked two Lakers legends across 40 years of basketball history.
Nearly two seasons later, James is still adding to that total, still hearing questions about his future, and still finding Abdul-Jabbar cheering him on from the sidelines. So where do both icons stand heading into the 2025-26 chase for another banner?
How Did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar React to LeBron James Breaking His Record?
The NBA saw a true passing of the torch on that February night. History paused when James became the league’s all-time leading scorer with a mid-range fadeaway over the Thunder. Abdul-Jabbar, who had held the record of 38,387 points for almost four decades, was courtside and later handed James the ball himself.
Since then, many fans have wondered how Abdul-Jabbar really felt about being passed. On The Jennifer Hudson Show, the Hall of Famer silenced any doubts.
“LeBron has earned it. He’s worked hard for 20 years. More power to him… You can’t have everything for too long,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “Records were meant to be broken, and more power to LeBron. I hope he enjoys it, does all what he wants to do during his career and after his career. He’s had an incredible career.”
That short, sincere exchange spoke volumes. There was no bitterness and no jealousy, only respect. Abdul-Jabbar understands what it takes to stay at the top for that long, and he made it clear that James deserves every bit of praise for reaching the milestone.
Where Does LeBron James’ Career Head to in the 2025–26 Season?
James now enters his 23rd NBA season with 42,184 points and counting. While the record is behind him, he is far from done.
During the ongoing offseason, rumors swirled that James was weighing his future and felt dissatisfied with the Lakers’ direction. However, he is expected to commit to the 2025-26 campaign and is gearing up to chase another title with a revitalized Los Angeles group.
The Lakers made moves. They got younger, added depth, and reshaped parts of the roster to ease the load on both James and Luka Dončić. For James, who turns 41 mid-season, the focus is smart basketball — conserving energy when possible, then flipping the switch when the moment demands it. Even at 40, he remains a nightmare for defenses.
He is not just after another ring. He is chasing excellence again; year after year, he proves he can carry a team deep into the playoffs. Whether he is leading the fast break, facilitating the offense, or closing out games, James continues to be one of the league’s most reliable forces.
Abdul-Jabbar’s record stood tall for 38 years. James may set a new bar that lasts even longer. Beyond the numbers, what is clear is that he is still focused, still hungry, and still believes another banner can hang in Los Angeles.
As for Abdul-Jabbar, he is watching proudly, just like the rest of us.
