Heading into the Los Angeles Lakers’ matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron James had an opportunity to once again create history. James needed to score 18 points to pass Kobe Bryant for third in NBA points. James scored his 18th point of the game on a layup with 7:22 left in the third quarter of the game.

As it stands now, the top 4 NBA point scorers have at some point played for the Lakers during their career. The 2019-20 season has been an impressive one for James. He’s led the Lakers to the number one seed in the Western Conference, averaging 25.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and a career-best 10.8 assists a game. He’s leading the league in assists per game this season, a career first.

James and Bryant Reaching the Scoring Milestones Differently

LeBron James has always considered him a pass-first player. Luke Walton, former coach of the Lakers remarked about James’ scoring feat when he passed Michael Jordan for 4th in career points. James also is 8th in NBA career assists, making him the only individual in the NBA’s all-time top 10 for points and assists.

Comparing James too Kobe Bryant, both reached their scoring milestones in a unique fashion. Bryant was a dominant scorer in his own right. He was able to score from anywhere, and create his own shot. The Lakers offence flowed through Bryant during his tenure.

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There were days when Bryant had dreadful shooting nights such as going 2-16 from the field against the Memphis Grizzlies back in 2004. Or he could switch up a gear, and go for a huge point tally. No better example than his 81 point performance against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.

James had a different approach to the game. One of his early idols included another Lakers legend, Magic Johnson. Magic was one of the best guards in the league, making incredible passes to set up for his teammates. James aspired to replicate those passes and performances.

James has been an efficient scorer. His career field goal accuracy stands at nearly 51%, against Bryants 45%. In addition to his efficiency, James reached the milestone in 104 fewer games than Bryant. Despite claiming to be a pass-first, his scoring efficiency sees James possess a higher point per game tally than Bryant.

James recently became the only player in NBA history to record 33,000 points, 9,000 rebounds and 9,000 assists. There isn’t a better statistic to back up his brilliant all-round play.

While some of the Lakers faithful may not be keen to see Bryant surpassed by James, Kobe himself is not bothered. Rather he’s more happy to see someone surpass him. The two have been seen celebrating briefly during Lakers games this season.

What Future Records Can Be Set by Lebron James?

LeBron James despite playing nearly 1,500 regular and post-season games is still going strong. He invests a lot into keeping his body in peak physical condition. An additional two more seasons at elite levels of play isn’t beyond his capability.

At his career average scoring rate of 27 points, it would take him around 121 games to catch up to Karl Malone for 2nd in points scored. It could happen early in the 2021-22 season.

To surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top spot in points scored, James will have to maintain his scoring average of 27 points for 176 games. That’s more than two regular seasons. It might take longer given a possible slowdown in scoring but he would have to play well into the 2022-23 season to score the most points in the NBA.

Since the 2016-17 season, James has averaged at least 8 assists a game. At that rate, it would take him around 126 games to pass Magic Johnson’s assist tally for 10,141 assists. He could be the 6th or 7th player to cross 10,000 assists. Chris Paul is ahead of James in career assists by nearly 350 assists, likely reaching the 10,000 assist mark before James.

Next season, he needs to maintain his career average in rebounding to cross 10,000 career rebounds. He currently averages 7.7 rebounds a game. James could become the 41st or 42nd player to reach that mark. He currently sits behind Brooklyn Nets centre, DeAndre Jordan in the standings. It would take him around 100 regular-season games to do so.

Early into 2021-22 season, it’s possible LeBron James could be the only player in NBA history with 36,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 10,000 assists. Those are insane numbers, but it is not out of the question. His peak fitness and longevity can help him reach such lofty ambitions.