PHILADELPHIA, PA—Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James surpassed retired NBA player Kobe Bryant for the number three spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list on Saturday, January 25, in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
James walked into the Wells Fargo Center prepared for the game by inscribing his black sneakers with “Mamba 4 Life,” along with “8/24 KB” in gold marker as a way to pay tribute to the former Laker, Kobe Bryant. James began the game against the 76ers needing 18 points to pass Bryant’s record. Bryant’s career total is set at 33,643 points, while James left with a new total of 33,655. He set the new record with a running layup in the third quarter, although the Lakers fell to the 76ers with a final score of 108-91.
The Wells Fargo Center had a sold out crowd witness history being made. James was celebrated with a standing ovation from the crowd, as well as many hugs from his teammates. Despite the Lakers coming within 10 points many times in the fourth quarter, they could not edge out a victory. James finished with 29 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds.
The only players ahead of Lebron James with more career points are Karl Malone with 36,928 points who sits at number 2, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with 38,387 points who claims the number 1 spot.
