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Set to Eclipse Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Scoring Record, LeBron James Confesses Lacking Michael Jordan or Dirk Nowitzki-Like Skills

Published 01/07/2023, 8:50 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

LeBron James has made his mark in several different areas of the game during his 20 years in the league. At 38, James is still going strong with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The four-time NBA champion has won many accolades during his career, breaking numerous records and setting new ones. Now, one of the most prestigious records that James is on the cusp of breaking is the all-time scoring record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But while taking a trip down memory lane and recounting what fans will remember about him, James made an honest confession in a recent interview about lacking some things that might separate him from the likes of Michael Jordan and Dirk Nowitzki.

LeBron James needs less than 500 points to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most points scored in the history of the league. Abdul-Jabbar has held the record for more than three decades, with most players not even within touching distance of the near impossible feat.

LeBron James admits he lacks these Michael Jordan and Dirk Nowitzki specials

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During a recent interview, James confessed that he does not have a signature shot like Kareem, Dirk, or Michael Jordan. James told ESPN in an exclusive interview, “It’s not like I have a signature one-leg Dirk fadeaway or a patented Michael Jordan fadeaway or a Kareem skyhook or a Dream Shake.” 

USA Today via Reuters

“I think the only signature thing that people always talk about is my signature tomahawk dunk in transition,” added James.

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While many players have signature shots that they develop over the years in the league, James’ tomahawk dunks in transition will surely be something that fans will remember him for. Because like many of the signature shots listed above by the four-time NBA champion, James’ tomahawk dunks were nearly unguardable.

Despite being in the twilight of his career, King James can still easily throw down monster jams and alley-oops. Pair that with his basketball IQ and he is still one of the top players in the league, keeping his team afloat for playoffs contention almost single-handedly. The Lakers are currently struggling at the 12th position in the Western Conference table, with an underwhelming record of 18-21.

Nobody emulated the skyhook

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Signature moves like Dirk Nowitzki’s one-legged fadeaway or Hakeem Olajuwon’s dream shake became so popular that other players started adding those moves to their bag of tricks to get the upper hand. However, rarely has anyone been able to master the sky-hook after Kareem. And even though many players in the league can throw down tomahawks, few can do it like ‘The King’ has been doing it for 20 years.

Watch This Story – Which are the five teams that LeBron James has scored the most points in the NBA

The amount of athleticism, strength and agility that James has perfected to throw down such slams, that too for 20 straight years is truly an accomplishment in and of itself. Meanwhile, fadeaways may not be a signature move for LeBron, but he surely can drain some good shots while attempting them.

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Will James be considered the GOAT if he passes Kareem on the scoring list?

Let us know what you think in the comments section down below.

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Written by:

Abhishek Dhariwal

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Abhishek Dhariwal is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. He earned his bachelor's degree in English Honors from St. Xavier's College and his master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from AAFT School of Mass Communication and Journalism.
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Edited by:

Satagni Sikder