Quick Read
- LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for most career regular-season field goals (15,842) on Thursday.
- James sustained a left elbow injury in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets, causing him to exit the game.
- Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed James was icing his elbow due to discomfort, raising doubts about his next game.
- The record-breaking achievement is overshadowed by injury concerns as James’s contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season.
DENVER (Azat TV) – LeBron James etched his name deeper into NBA history on Thursday night, becoming the league’s all-time leader in regular-season field goals made, surpassing legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. However, this monumental achievement against the Denver Nuggets was immediately overshadowed by a concerning left elbow injury sustained in the fourth quarter, casting a shadow over his immediate playing future and intensifying questions about his potential retirement as his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers approaches its expiration.
James broke Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing record of 15,837 field goals during the Lakers’ 120-113 loss to the Nuggets. He officially set the new mark of 15,838 with a fadeaway jumper late in the first quarter, ultimately finishing the game with 15,842 career field goals. The milestone was met with a standing ovation from fans at Ball Arena, acknowledging yet another testament to his unparalleled longevity and skill.
Elbow Injury Raises New Concerns for James
Despite the historic feat, the focus quickly shifted to James’s health after he fell hard to the court following a layup against Denver center Nikola Jokic in the fourth quarter. He immediately clutched his left elbow, prompting a brief exit from the game with 3:58 remaining. While he returned with 2:05 left, he was ultimately removed for good with 22 seconds on the clock due to discomfort.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed after the game that James was ‘icing his left elbow’ and experienced enough discomfort that it prevented him from finishing the contest. The exact severity of the injury was not immediately clear, leaving his availability for the Lakers’ upcoming game against the Indiana Pacers in doubt. This incident highlights recurring injury concerns that have periodically sidelined the veteran superstar, fueling speculation about his ability to maintain his elite performance levels.
Another Record Falls, Retirement Looms
This latest record is not James’s first time surpassing Abdul-Jabbar; he previously eclipsed the Hall of Famer for career points, minutes played, and field goals attempted. Throughout his remarkable 23-year career, an NBA record in itself, James has accumulated an extraordinary list of accolades, including 22 All-Star selections, 21 All-NBA team honors, six All-Defensive team selections, a scoring title, Rookie of the Year, and four NBA championships. His status as one of basketball’s all-time greats, often debated alongside Michael Jordan, has been solidified for years.
Despite his continued output, averaging 21.6 points, 7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game this season, the elbow injury comes at a critical juncture. James’s contract with the Lakers is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 NBA season. While he has consistently proven he has ‘plenty left in the tank,’ as Coach Redick noted, the unannounced retirement plans, coupled with the increasing frequency of physical setbacks, have led many to question how much longer the 39-year-old will continue to play. The recent injury only amplifies these discussions, forcing a re-evaluation of his immediate future beyond the current season.
Lakers’ Performance and Other Injuries
The Lakers’ loss to the Nuggets also saw other significant developments. Denver’s Nikola Jokic delivered a stellar performance with a triple-double of 28 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 28 points. For the Lakers, Luka Doncic led with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, though he also picked up his 15th technical foul of the season, putting him one away from an automatic one-game suspension. Additionally, Lakers center Deandre Ayton left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury and did not return, further depleting the team’s roster. Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura stepped up in Ayton’s absence, scoring 19 and 16 points respectively.
The confluence of LeBron James’s historic field goal record and his latest injury underscores a pivotal moment in his unparalleled career, highlighting the tension between his enduring greatness and the physical toll of his longevity, ultimately framing the urgent questions surrounding his imminent contractual future.