LeBron James inched close to another historic record during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 110-101 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The four-time NBA champion was close to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for most field goals made in league history.
He was 11 short of the record ahead of the game against the Pelicans. The difference was trimmed down to three after his 8-for-12 from the field on Tuesday.
JJ Redick Addresses LeBron James Falling Short of Making History During Pelicans Skirmish
Speaking to the media in the aftermath of the win against the Pelicans, Lakers head coach JJ Redick was asked about James falling short of the historic record.
“I wouldn’t coach a basketball game that way to try to get a guy a record. He’ll get his record, and we’re trying to win a basketball game.” James ended with 21 points against the Pelicans and will most likely break the record when the Lakers play the Denver Nuggets next.
Redick’s comments earned him immense praise, especially for his team-first mentality. As for James, the veteran forward continues to be the focus of the team’s offense despite Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in the mix.
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It’s worth noting that James’ milestone games, in which he became the leading scorer in NBA history in 2023 and became the first player to score 40,000 points in 2024, were against the Nuggets. In what was a dampener, the Lakers lost both games. On Thursday, James and the Lakers will look to correct the record.
Got it done in the clutch pic.twitter.com/0lPbShmpFX
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 4, 2026
The 41-year-old continues to defy father time this season by being a force on both ends of the floor. After a sciatic injury forced him to miss the start of the season, James has played 43 games, averaging 21.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, shooting 50.2% from the field and 31.7% from the three-point line.
On the season front, the Lakers are yet to play the kind of championship basketball they showed glimpses of last season. They have blown hot and cold on both ends of the floor and are sixth in a stacked West with a 37-24 record.
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The next eight games for the Lakers see them take on tougher opponents as they play the Nuggets and the Houston Rockets twice. They also play the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves, making it a challenging stretch that decides their seeding as the regular season inches to a close.
For now, James continues to break records in his storied 23-year NBA career. It remains to be seen if he can cap off his career with a fifth title this time around.
