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WASHINGTON, D.C. — It was only fitting that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James passed Karl Malone as the NBA’s second all-time leading scorer doing what “The Mailman” did thousands of times — cutting to the basket, receiving a pass and scoring on an uncontested driving layup.
James moved past Malone, the Hall of Famer and former Utah Jazz great who scored 36,928 points, at the 5:20 mark in the second quarter against the Washington Wizards on Saturday. He entered the game needing 20 points to pass Malone, who scored so many of his baskets off assists from John Stockton.
James finished with 38 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, but the Wizards spoiled the Lakers’ night by overcoming a 16-point deficit to win 127-119.
With 36,947 points, James trails only former Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the career scoring list. Abdul-Jabbar’s record stands at 38,387 points.
“Just to be part of this league the many years I’ve been a part of it and being linked to some of the greatest who’ve ever played this game and guys I’ve ever watched or studied or read about or aspired to be like … I’m just always lost for words for it,” James said. “It’s an honor for myself, for my hometown, for my family and friends to be able to live these moments throughout this journey. And that’s exactly who I do it for.”
James scored the historic basket off an assist from Stanley Johnson. It wasn’t until the next play, when James was called for a foul 14 seconds later, that the sellout crowd of 20,476 at the Capital One Arena was able to shower him with a standing ovation for his historic milestone.
James, 37, lifted his arm in recognition and gratitude.
“I’m still in awe to be alongside him while he’s still doing what he’s doing at a high level,” said teammate Carmelo Anthony, who came into the league with James in the same draft class and is ninth all time in scoring. “Especially coming from somebody who was not, you know, ‘known’ for, as they say, scoring. Now to have the chance…
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Source : espn
