LeBron James breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer

After 39 years, the NBA has a new leading scorer.

LeBron James carved his name into the basketball history books by becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

The Los Angeles Lakers megastar has officially broken Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record which he has held since April 5, 1984.

While Michael Jordan fans won't agreed, this feat perhaps cements LeBron's claim as arguably the greatest basketball player in history – or at least in the conversation.

Heading into the Lakers' clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder, all eyes were on the self-proclaimed 'King'.

Needing 36 points to overtake Abdul-Jabbar’s total of 38,387 points, it was believed that this was the game where LeBron would shatter the record – and he certainly didn't disappoint.

Already with 20 points under his belt at halftime, LeBron went into overdrive in the third period and scored 16 points in rapid succession.

Not happy with simply setting a new record, LeBron decided to do so in the best way possible too.

A slick step-back two-pointer in the final seconds of the third quarter took the four-time NBA champ to 38,388 points – the most of any player to pull on an NBA jersey.

Witnessing a historic moment, the fans inside Crypto.com Arena all rose to their feat and simply applauded the greatest unfolding before their eyes.

The cameras then panned to Lakers legend Abdul-Jabbar, who passed a ball over to LeBron – a true symbolic passing-of-the-torch moment.

Play was then halted as LeBron celebrated the momentous achievement with his family.

He was then passed the microphone where he thanked everyone who had joined him on the journey.

“F**k man. Thank you guys,” he said before receiving a standing ovation.

The 'King' had been crowned.

But if there was even any doubt about LeBron's elite mentality, then he proved that wrong with one small interaction with his sons at half-time.

Bronny and Bryce were in the stands to watch their father in action and all three shared a cool moment together.

Sitting alongside them, LeBron asked his sons: “Go ahead and get it?”

To which Bronny replied: “Go ahead.”

as LeBron said: “I’ll get it.”

And that he did.

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/NBA/Hoops Central

Topics: Basketball, NBA, Lebron James, LA Lakers

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry