LeBron James has already etched his name as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 38,387 points back in February 2023 with a signature fadeaway against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, at 41 years old and in his 23rd season with the Los Angeles Lakers, “The King” is on the verge of claiming another crown that underscores his unparalleled durability and scoring consistency: the record for most career field goals made.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James
As of early March 2026, LeBron sits just three field goals shy of Abdul-Jabbar’s longstanding mark of 15,837 made field goals (regular season only). He entered Thursday night’s road game against the Denver Nuggets needing those three makes to tie, and one more to take sole possession. Barring an off-night or limited minutes due to any minor issues, this milestone could fall as soon as that matchup at Ball Arena—another chapter in a career that’s rewritten the record books multiple times.
This chase comes hot off recent performances, like his 8-for-12 shooting (21 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists) in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans on March 3, which trimmed the gap from 11 to three. LeBron’s efficiency hasn’t faded—he’s still a high-volume, high-percentage scorer who attacks the rim, finishes through contact, and mixes in pull-ups and drives. Critics who once claimed he “doesn’t have a deep bag” or isn’t a “pure scorer” have been drowned out by the sheer volume: over 15,800 made buckets across more than 1,600 games, blending athleticism, IQ, and adaptability over two-plus decades.
The irony is thick—discourse labeling LeBron as not a “scorer” feels absurd when he’s the all-time points king and now poised to lead in field goals made. This isn’t flash; it’s sustained excellence. He’s not relying on volume alone; his true shooting percentages remain elite even in his late 30s/early 40s, and he’s done it against evolving defenses, rule changes, and physical wear.
This record strengthens the longevity argument in the GOAT conversation. If your criteria for the greatest player ever prioritize who’s been the best for the longest, LeBron stands alone. No one has spent more time as a top-10 player, let alone elite or dominant. He’s on pace to pass Robert Parish’s all-time games played record (1,611) soon—he’s already at around 1,600+ and closing fast (reports had him 10-14 games away recently). Combine that with his peak (multiple MVPs, Finals appearances, championships across three teams), and the case is airtight for many.
LeBron’s not chasing these marks for vanity; they’re byproducts of showing up every night, adapting, and refusing to fade. Father Time hasn’t caught him yet—he’s still dropping 20+ efficiently, leading the Lakers, and mentoring younger stars like Luka Dončić in their shared lineup. When he inevitably passes Kareem in field goals, it’ll be another reminder: longevity isn’t luck; it’s greatness sustained.
Lakers Nation and NBA fans, this milestone hits different. Does it seal LeBron as the undisputed GOAT for you, or do rings/peaks still weigh heavier? Comment below—what’s your favorite LeBron record chase so far?