NEW YORK – LeBron James said that it is only a “matter of time” before he passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the greatest scorer in National Basketball Association (NBA) history, after edging closer to the long-standing record on Tuesday night.
The forward’s 28-point triple-double in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 129-123 overtime win over the New York Knicks means the 38-year-old superstar needs just 89 more points to eclipse Abdul-Jabbar’s mark of 38,387.
At his current rate of scoring, he is on target to pass Abdul-Jabbar next Tuesday when the Lakers host the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite being so close, James insisted, however, that the prospect of making NBA history is not weighing heavily on him.
“No, it’s not getting heavier, because I’m going to do it,” he said after the win in New York.
“I mean, it’s just a matter of time when I’m going to do it.
“I’m not going anywhere – I’m going to be in this league for at least a few more years, so I’m going to do it. It’s not heavy at all.”
James, who missed the Lakers’ Monday loss to the Brooklyn Nets with a sore left ankle and left foot, also had 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
The Los Angeles star added that he will not distracted by chasing the scoring record. He is concentrating only on helping the Lakers try to claw their up the Western Conference standings.
They are in 13th with a 24-28 win-loss record this season.
“I didn’t get to this point of my career by thinking about records or how many points I have,” James said.
“I just try and play the game the right way. I approach the game every night by trying to be a triple threat – scoring, rebounding and assisting. So let the chips fall where they may.
“I think maybe when I get super-duper close (to the record) it might be in the back or the front of my mind.
“But I don’t put that kind of pressure on myself. I just go out and play.”
But he did allow himself a moment to reflect with pride on the fact that Tuesday saw him pass Steve Nash and Mark Jackson to move into fourth in the all-time NBA rankings for career assists.
James’ eighth and ninth assists of the game – leading to Troy Brown Jr’s three-pointer and a dunk by Thomas Bryant on consecutive possessions early in the fourth quarter – vaulted him past Jackson (10,334 assists) and Nash (10,335 assists). James ended the night at 10,338.
“It’s amazing. Because that’s what I love to do – get my guys involved. Try to put the ball on time and on target through my career,” he said.
“Any time you’re linked with the greats, it’s a super cool thing.”
While the Lakers are struggling in the West, conference leaders Denver Nuggets bounced back from a loss to maintain a stronghold on top spot.
Nikola Jokic had 26 points, 18 rebounds and 15 assists for his NBA-leading 16th triple-double, while Jamal Murray poured in 32 points as the hosts beat the New Orleans Pelicans 122-113.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Aaron Gordon scored 15 points apiece and Michael Porter Jr added 13 for the Nuggets, who won for just the second time in five games to improve to 35-16.
CJ McCollum and Herbert Jones scored 21 each and Brandon Ingram finished with 16 points for the Pelicans, who took their ninth straight loss. AFP, REUTERS
