Following his matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, an ESPN on ABC broadcast disclosed a remarkable fact: LeBron James has competed against a staggering 35% of all NBA players to have ever graced the court. This statistic, unveiled after the Lakers’ 127-110 victory over the Mavericks, left many, including James himself, in awe. Taking to his Instagram story, James dubbed the stat “insane.”
As the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, James entered the league during the 2003-04 season. Over his remarkable 21-season career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, he has amassed an impressive 39,591 points. In a historic moment in February 2023, James surpassed Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to claim the title of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
The NBA traces its origins back to 1946, encompassing several decades of players before James made his debut. Nonetheless, his unparalleled longevity has allowed him to carve out a 21-season legacy, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players the league has ever witnessed.