LeBron James continues to redefine longevity in basketball, reaching an unprecedented milestone on Tuesday night. The 40-year-old Lakers star became the first player in NBA history to surpass 50,000 combined points in regular season and postseason play. His achievement came early in the first quarter of Los Angeles’ 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, with James draining a three-pointer off an assist from Luka Dončić.
As the crowd erupted, Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter acknowledged the achievement, prompting a standing ovation. James waved to the fans before refocusing on the game, finishing the night with 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. His efforts helped push the Lakers to a 39-21 record, securing second place in the Western Conference.
James’ career total now stands at 41,871 regular-season points and 8,162 playoff points. He remains the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in both categories, widening the gap between himself and past legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who finished his career with 44,149 combined points.
“It’s a lot of points,” James said after the game. “I’m blessed to have played this long at a high level and to still be doing what I love.”
James’ consistency has been a defining trait throughout his 22-year career, matching Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history. While many players experience a steep decline as they age, James continues to perform at an elite level. Since turning 40, he has averaged 26.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists while shooting over 54% from the field and 42.3% from three-point range.
His excellence was recognized earlier in the day when he was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for February. Over 12 games, he averaged 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, helping the Lakers go 10-2 during that stretch.
James’ historic night wasn’t the only storyline in Los Angeles’ victory. Luka Dončić, recently acquired from the Dallas Mavericks, contributed 30 points, 15 assists, and 8 rebounds. The duo made history as the first Lakers teammates to each score at least 30 points and hit five three-pointers in the same game.
On the other side of the league, another superstar had a night filled with emotion. Kevin Durant led the Phoenix Suns to a 119-117 comeback win over the LA Clippers, scoring 19 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter. However, the attention shifted to his interaction with head coach Mike Budenholzer, as television cameras captured a heated exchange between the two during a timeout.
Durant dismissed any speculation about conflict, emphasizing that he and Budenholzer have a strong working relationship. “If we didn’t care, we wouldn’t have these moments,” Durant said. “We both want to win, and sometimes that means disagreeing.”
The Suns, struggling for consistency this season, overcame a 23-point deficit to claim victory. Durant credited Budenholzer’s adjustments, including inserting Collin Gillespie, a guard on a two-way contract, who made key plays down the stretch.
As the season continues, James’ 50,000-point milestone and Durant’s leadership in Phoenix are reminders of how elite players continue to shape the league.
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