🔥History is calling, and LeBron James is one step away from answering. The Lakers star could soon reach another milestone that cements his legacy even further. Appreciate it now — moments like this don’t last forever.

LeBron James Inches Closer to Passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as Los Angeles Lakers Defeat New Orleans Pelicans

On Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, LeBron James once again reminded the basketball world why he is widely regarded as the greatest longevity story in NBA history.

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 110–101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, strengthening their playoff positioning in the Western Conference. While the win itself was significant, the larger storyline revolved around James’ pursuit of yet another historic milestone — becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in career field goals made.

And now, he is only three baskets away from owning that record outright.

LeBron’s Performance vs. Pelicans

In 33 efficient minutes, James delivered a steady all-around performance:

21 points
7 rebounds
7 assists
2 blocks
8-of-12 shooting from the field
1-of-5 from three-point range

The stat line wasn’t explosive by LeBron standards, but it was controlled, calculated, and impactful. More importantly, it moved him closer to basketball immortality.

Entering the night, James needed 11 made field goals to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing mark of 15,837 career field goals. He finished with eight — leaving him just three shy of breaking the record.

History is now within arm’s reach.

The “Milestone King” Adds Another Chapter

Earlier Tuesday, the NBA highlighted James’ opportunity on social media:

“MILESTONE KING: LeBron James is on the verge of becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in career field goals made… He needs 11 field goals to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 15,837.”

James already holds:

The NBA’s all-time scoring record
Second place in career free throws made
Sixth place in career three-pointers made

Adding the all-time field goals record would further cement his reputation as the most statistically dominant and durable scorer the league has ever seen.

Unlike volume scorers who rely primarily on perimeter shooting, James’ field goal record reflects two decades of versatility — finishes at the rim, mid-range mastery, post play, and now, veteran efficiency.

The Overlooked In-Season Tournament Twist

Interestingly, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin pointed out a controversial footnote to the milestone chase.

McMenamin noted that James technically would have already passed Abdul-Jabbar if the league counted a 10-field-goal performance from the December 2023 in-season tournament championship game. While all other in-season tournament games count toward regular-season totals, that specific championship matchup does not.

As a result, the record chase carries an added layer of debate.

Regardless, the official mark stands — and James is poised to surpass it Thursday night.

Next Stop: Denver Nuggets

All signs point toward James breaking the record when the Lakers travel to Denver on Thursday.

The timing couldn’t be better — or more dramatic.

The Lakers (37–24) are battling for seeding in a congested Western Conference. A statement win over the defending champions would strengthen their hold on a top-six playoff spot while providing the perfect stage for history.

It’s the kind of moment the NBA thrives on: a global superstar, a hostile road environment, and a record that has stood for decades.

LeBron’s 23rd Season: Still Elite

Now in his 23rd NBA season — and eighth with the Lakers — James continues to defy conventional aging curves.

Entering Tuesday’s game, he was averaging:

21.6 points
5.6 rebounds
7.0 assists
1.1 steals
49.9% shooting from the field
32.0% from three

At 41 years old, those numbers remain All-Star caliber.

Few athletes in professional sports history have sustained this level of production so deep into their careers. What once seemed impossible — maintaining elite efficiency into a third decade — has become routine for James.

Lakers’ Playoff Push

The victory over the Pelicans marked another positive step in a competitive Western Conference race. Currently holding the sixth seed, the Lakers are fighting to avoid the play-in tournament.

At home, they have posted an 18–12 record, providing solid — if not dominant — protection at Crypto.com Arena.

However, James’ tenure in Los Angeles has been a roller coaster.

Since joining the franchise:

The Lakers won the 2020 NBA Championship over the Miami Heat
Missed the playoffs twice
Suffered a first-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025

The 2026 campaign represents another opportunity to chase postseason success while James continues stacking individual accolades.

Pelicans’ Struggles Continue

For the Pelicans, the loss dropped them to 19–44, placing them 13th in the Western Conference standings.

They’ve now lost two consecutive games and remain well outside serious playoff contention. Their focus increasingly shifts toward development and draft positioning.

New Orleans will attempt to regroup Thursday when they visit the Sacramento Kings.

Legacy Beyond Numbers

While the field goals record is historic, it symbolizes something larger.

James has now:

Surpassed Abdul-Jabbar in scoring
Nearly matched him in made field goals
Maintained elite production across three different eras of basketball

The league has transformed during his career — from mid-post dominance to pace-and-space offense, from physical hand-checking to perimeter freedom — yet James has adapted seamlessly.

Records that once felt untouchable are now checkpoints.

What Happens Next?

If James converts three field goals in Denver — an almost certain outcome — he will officially become the NBA’s all-time leader in career field goals made.

Another night. Another record. Another milestone.

In a career defined by unprecedented longevity, LeBron James continues to prove that greatness isn’t just about peak dominance — it’s about sustained excellence over time.

And on Thursday night in Colorado, the basketball world will likely witness history once again.