LeBron James keeps etching his name in NBA history at age 41: In the Los Angeles Lakers’ 110-101 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night (March 3, 2026) at Crypto.com Arena, the King posted 21 points (8/12 FG, 1/5 3PT), 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks in 33 minutes. With 8 field goals made, LeBron is now just 3 away from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time record of 15,837 field goals made (pre-game: LeBron 15,834; post-game: 15,842).
The NBA previewed it Tuesday afternoon: “MILESTONE KING: LeBron needs 11 field goals to break Kareem’s 15,837 record.” But after 8 FGM last night, he needs only 3 more – making it highly likely he’ll break the mark Thursday night (March 5, 2026) when the Lakers visit the Denver Nuggets in Colorado (Ball Arena).
BronMuse noted: “Most field goals made in NBA history: 15,837 — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 15,836 / 15,835 — LeBron James. Next game, we’ll witness history.”
Dave McMenamin (ESPN) fun fact: LeBron actually passed Kareem on his first made field goal Tuesday night – the NBA doesn’t count his 10 FGM from the December 2023 In-Season Tournament Championship (despite other IST games counting toward regular-season stats). LeBron already holds the all-time points record, ranks second in free throws made, and sixth in three-pointers made.
LeBron’s season averages (through 43 games):
- 21.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.1 SPG
- 49.9% FG, 32.0% 3PT
Lakers (37-24) sit sixth in the West, locked in for playoffs (home: 18-12). Despite ups and downs in LA (missed playoffs twice, 2020 title, first-round exit 2025 vs Timberwolves), LeBron remains the centerpiece – and this milestone further cements his GOAT case.
Pelicans (19-44) continue struggling – on a two-game skid, 13th in West. Next up: road game vs Sacramento Kings.
History on the doorstep – LeBron likely breaks the field goals made record Thursday vs Nuggets. What do you think? Will he do it? Is this milestone bigger than the points record? Drop takes below!