SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 28, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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Cole Sullivan

By Cole Sullivan

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The Los Angeles Lakers (37–24) entered Thursday night with a massive Western Conference showdown against the Denver Nuggets (38–24) in the Mile High City.

However, the night also carried an expected historic milestone for 41-year-old LeBron James, who knew prior to tipoff that he needed just three made field goals to pass the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most made shots in NBA history.

As the first quarter wound down, James hit the final shot for the Lakers on a turnaround mid-range jumper, which officially became his third make of the game — and the 15,837th field goal of his illustrious career, which has now spanned 23 seasons, also the most ever.

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“LeBron, one-on-one with Nnaji, off the back-in, turnaround, he’s got it!” play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle exclaimed on the broadcast. “Another record in the legendary career of LeBron James. Most field goals in NBA history, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.”

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Shortly after the historic milestone, James received a congratulatory message from fellow Lakers legend Magic Johnson.

“I want to congratulate Lakers legend and superstar LeBron James on becoming the all-time leader in field goals made in NBA history — passing my Showtime Lakers teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar!"

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 28, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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James’ longevity has been second to none in NBA history, and while he understands the end is near, he’s still playing at an extremely high level.

Entering Thursday, James is averaging 21.6 points, 7.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game this season while shooting 50.2% from the field and 31.7% from three-point range.

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