LeBron James 36 points after breaking NBA all-time record

CNN
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LeBron James finished with 27 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 131-126 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, leaving the 38-year-old needing 36 points to surpass Kareem Abdul’s all-time record -Jabbar in the NBA.

James struggled out of the gates but managed to finish the game strong, adding nine rebounds and six assists in the loss. Lakers forward Anthony Davis finished with a team-high 34 points and 14 rebounds.

There were lots of cheers at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans every time James touched the ball, but fans will have to wait a bit longer for the record to be broken. It is likely that James will perform the historic feat in front of a local audience this week.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points has stood for nearly 39 years, with the Lakers great passing Wilt Chamberlain on April 5, 1984 – before James was even born.

In what’s supposed to be the twilight of his career, James is having one of his finest seasons, averaging 30.1 points per game.

James could break the record either Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder or Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Both are home links.

Predictably, ticket prices for these games have skyrocketed, with the NBA stating that any game where it has a reasonable chance of breaking the record will be broadcast nationally.

February 7: Thunder at Lakers, 10pET on TNT

February 9: Bucks at Lakers, 10pET on TNT

February 11: Lakers at Warriors, 830pET on ABC