LeBron James Surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA Career Field Goals Record
LeBron James has officially surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most career field goals in NBA history. During a recent game against the Denver Nuggets, James made a turnaround jumper late in the first quarter. This shot marked his 15,838th career field goal in his remarkable 23rd NBA season.
Historic Achievement
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar previously held the record with 15,837 field goals, a milestone he reached before retiring in 1989. Abdul-Jabbar was renowned for his skyhook shot, making over 50% of his attempts throughout 19 consecutive seasons. Karl Malone currently ranks third on the all-time list with 13,528 field goals.
Comparative Statistics
| Player | Career Field Goals | Field Goal Percentage | 3-Pointers Attempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeBron James | 15,838 | 51.6% | 7,500+ |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 15,837 | 55.9% | 18 |
| Karl Malone | 13,528 | Unknown | Unknown |
Longevity and Records
James not only excelled in career field goals but also holds records for playoff games played, already reaching a total of 292. He achieved the title of top scorer in NBA history in February 2023. Notably, James had attempted 31,274 field goals before his game against the Nuggets.
Coaching Praise
Prior to the matchup, Lakers coach J.J. Redick likened James to musical legend Bruce Springsteen, praising his longevity and capacity for evolution. Redick highlighted James’ ability to consistently “add to his catalog” of achievements.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, James is only five regular-season games shy of Robert Parish’s record for total NBA games played. While the 41-year-old has expressed uncertainty about his future with the Lakers, he remains confident in his ability to perform at a high level indefinitely.
Despite injuries causing him to miss 18 games, James was selected for the All-Star Game for the 22nd time, underscoring his ongoing impact in the league.
