Among NBA obsessives, the debate over which legendary player is the true GOAT of the league will continue for many years to come.
But in the third quarter of a 133-130 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, LeBron James made a powerful argument for why he’s the greatest to ever take the court.
With a simple fadeaway jumper that would never have become a game’s highlight reel under normal circumstances, LeBron scored his 38,387th career point, making him the league’s all-time leading scorer.
Laker legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke Wilt Chamberlain’s previous record in 1984 (the year LeBron was born).
By the time he retired five years later, Jabbar had put the record out of reach for future generations.
But as he has done so many times in his life, James once again achieved the impossible last night.
In front of a star-studded crowd that included celebrity well-wishers like Usher and Jay-Z, LeBron set a record that is likely to stand for a very, very long time.
“I write ‘The Man in the Arena’ from Theodore Roosevelt on my shoe every night,” James said at a post-game press conference.
“Tonight, I actually felt like I was sitting on top of the arena when that shot went in and the crowd roared. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get that feeling again, unless it’s that game-winning final shot.
LeBron said the occasion enabled him to share a phenomenal moment with his wife, mother and children, all of whom were in attendance.
“Everything just stopped. It gave me a chance to embrace it and look around and see my family, the fans, my friends. It was great,” James said.
“I can probably count on my hands how many times I have cried in 20 years, either in joy or in defeat. So that was one of those moments when I cried a little bit,” he continued.
“It’s ‘I can’t believe what’s going on’ tears.”
Clearly, LeBron has experienced every kind of success imaginable during his legendary career.
James has led teams to four NBA championships; He has been crowned league MVP four times, and has two Olympic gold medals in his trophy case.
But clearly, last night’s accomplishment was one that will stand out most for James when he reflects on his years as the world’s most influential athlete.
It was a moment enhanced by the presence of James’ loved ones as well as his respect for the living legend who set the record long ago.
And it was a moment that will live forever in the memories of basketball fans around the world — even if they still can’t agree on who the GOAT is.