Lebron is the Youngest to 28k Points

[pingbling23]

Lebron surpassed Kobe last night as the youngest player to achieve 28k points, Lebron was 32 years and 36 days old. Kobe was 33 years and 131 days. Commentators were saying last night Lebron woukd need to average around 25 a game for the next 5 seasons to surpass kareem on the all time list. Durant has a good chance as well to move up the lists at Lebrons pace, it will be fun to see if he can do it.

[Doublexthebeast]

Lebron has a chance to be extremely productive for quite a few more years. He doesn't shoot the ball particularly well though so it will be interesting to see how he evolves his game as his athleticism starts to go away. I'll never count that guy out though, so it's likely he makes a run at Kareem.

Durant shoots the ball from the outside well so I think he is the type of guy that has a chance to be extremely productive as he ages.

[6celtics33]

This speaks to him being durable and the best of the high school to NBA stars. He was ready right away and very consistent. Going forward, it's just hard to chase Kareem. Just from a skill standpoint. You don't stop being 7'4 with a sweet sky hook just because you get old. That's why Kareem is 1.

[bdoody42]

I think Lebron will pass in Kareem in due time. Like stated above he has done a great job staying healthy. Him being easy from day 1 was extremely helpful.

[Stats]

I assume LeBron will be able to make it to #2, but Durant's game has a better chance. The only thing I would see holding Durant back is another major injury.

[exoticprince]

Another of many great achievements for the king. It won't be easy catching Kareem's record but he's definitely got a decent shot and should no doubt at least end his career at least # 2 all time.

[the27guy]

Another of many great achievements for the king. It won't be easy catching Kareem's record but he's definitely got a decent shot and should no doubt at least end his career at least # 2 all time.

If he gets to 2, he'll get to 1. Malone is only like 1500 points behind Kareem. Malone could have caught Kareem had he really gone after it.

I think he finishes first or third overall. Most likely third.

[exoticprince]

Yea but that's the thing, 1500 points could likely be the difference of coming back an additional season or not, a decision the mail man chose to pass on. Time will tell anyhow so much can happen between now and then.

If he gets to 2, he'll get to 1. Malone is only like 1500 points behind Kareem. Malone could have caught Kareem had he really gone after it.

I think he finishes first or third overall. Most likely third.

[rdleifriaf]

Unless LeBron's athleticism has some sort of freakish longevity, I don't see him getting to Kareem. His shot just isn't that good.

KD has a career 0.20 PPG better average than LeBron, and I think he'll finish with more career points scored.

[tjforce]

I believe that the record is Lebron's if he wants it. We've never seen an athlete like him before in the NBA. He's at a point were he should be regressing, but the facts are that this season:
*His shooting % has risen for a second straight year
*His scoring has risen for a second straight year
*His 3Pt shooting % is the highest its been in 4 years, and the 3rd highest of his career

He has the natural advantage that with his size he will be able to transition to more of a post player later in his career, unlike Jordan and Kobe. He began working on this a few years ago in Miami.

Durant has a few disadvantages in his quest to become the scoring champ. Mainly, games played.

Coming into this season, Durant has played 641 games over 9 seasons and scored 17,566 points. At the same age, Lebron had played 765 games over 10 season and scored 21,081 points. At the same point in their careers, Durant had averaged 27.4 points per game to Lebron's 27.6. That is important, because Durant is sharing the ball much more in Golden State, and his points per game is down to 25.8 thus far this season. At the same age season, Lebron still averaged over 27, before dropping into the 25 range since.

The other big issue for Durant is the broken foot and 3 surgeries in 2014-15. While his efficiency hasn't really dropped, his minutes and scoring have. Whether or not this injury slows him down later in his career is speculation, but he lost about 55 games he'll never get back.

Two things can really stop Lebron. One is major injury. Once Kobe started getting hurt, he went down hill quick. Lebron has never had a major injury to this point, but you never know.

The next is Lebron himself. If he hits age 36 and is no longer top 5, does he even want to play? My guess is yes; he is such a great distributor and will find a way to put together a competitive team where what's left of his skills were help them compete. But what do I know about the thought process of a guy who will be damn near a billionaire in the near future.

[6celtics33]

@tj.... So in your mind Jordan didn't become a great post player later in his career when he came out of retirement?

[dbird3312]

@tj.... So in your mind Jordan didn't become a great post player later in his career when he came out of retirement?



That's what you took from all that? Haha oookay. No I believe he said lebrons size allows him to transition to post play easier


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[6celtics33]

That's what you took from all that? Haha oookay. No I believe he said lebrons size allows his to transition to post play easier


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Wow buddy you dive right in. I took a few things from it but that's the one id like clarified if is ok with you. What he said was that Lebron could transition to a post game unlike Jordan and Kobe. Jordan lived in the post late in his career.

[6celtics33]

But this is the norm.... If it's got Lebron or any other player in the title of a thread then the slurpers are allowed to talk down any other player but if you defend any other player then there will be plenty of people waiting to jump down my throat and tell me this isn't a Jordan thread. Note I wasn't the one who brought Jordan up. Maybe Lebron could add 5,000 points to his total if he'd ever get his free throw % to 80-85.

[asujbl]

But this is the norm.... If it's got Lebron or any other player in the title of a thread then the slurpers are allowed to talk down any other player but if you defend any other player then there will be plenty of people waiting to jump down my throat and tell me this isn't a Jordan thread. Note I wasn't the one who brought Jordan up. Maybe Lebron could add 5,000 points to his total if he'd ever get his free throw % to 80-85.

Your math is spot on... how many FT's do you think he takes a year?

[6celtics33]

Haha, and here is the professor. Tax professor, grammar professor, and now math professor. You all are so predictable it's hilarious. Now I just need jj2 to quote me and give a one line snarky remark and it will be complete.

[6celtics33]

To answer your question though, I know it's not 5000 yet but hell, Lebron will play til he's 45 or 46 and average 25 every year. Why wouldn't he?

[asujbl]

Haha, and here is the professor. Tax professor, grammar professor, and now math professor. You all are so predictable it's hilarious. Now I just need jj2 to quote me and give a one line snarky remark and it will be complete.

Not my fault you can't do math. Blame your elementary school.

[Orangejello727]

The basic takeaway from these types of threads is that Lebron MUST be the best at everything. If stats prove otherwise, then that means Lebron could do it but chooses not to. If stats prove it so, then it means Lebron is the best. He can never be anywhere but #1.

Ill congratulate Lebron when he passes Kareem. But please remember if he doesn't pass Kareem, its not because he didnt want to. Its because he couldn't. The same goes for any stat you choose and any player you choose.

Congrats to Lebron for being the youngest to accomplish something.

[6celtics33]

D bird needs to make another top 5 thread and then yell at people like they're dumb when they don't telepathically know he "meant" top 10. Save the pm's though bud. Don't need to hear it.

[6celtics33]

The basic takeaway from these types of threads is that Lebron MUST be the best at everything. If stats prove otherwise, then that means Lebron could do it but chooses not to. If stats prove it so, then it means Lebron is the best. He can never be anywhere but #1.

Ill congratulate Lebron when he passes Kareem. But please remember if he doesn't pass Kareem, its not because he didnt want to. Its because he couldn't. The same goes for any stat you choose and any player you choose.

Congrats to Lebron for being the youngest to accomplish something.

Exactly, probably the front office's fault for holding him back if he doesn't

[6celtics33]

Not my fault you can't do math. Blame your elementary school.

Lebron fan wanting me to blame someone else. Sounds about right.

[asujbl]

Lebron fan wanting me to blame someone else. Sounds about right.

No worries. If you taught yourself awful math than just blame yourself. Don't have to pass it along.

[rookies]

I think lebron wants the most points scored title just to say he wasnt even a scorer yet scored the most. Lebron thinks he is (and is) a pass first player so for him to be the leading point scorer it would be a better case for his GOAT status. I think Jordan is the GOAT no matter what, but lebron still has a shot if he gets more accolades. KAreem was known for scoring Malone known for scoring MJ known for scoring lebron not so much so if he finishes on top thats amazing.

[rookies]

The basic takeaway from these types of threads is that Lebron MUST be the best at everything. If stats prove otherwise, then that means Lebron could do it but chooses not to. If stats prove it so, then it means Lebron is the best. He can never be anywhere but #1.

Ill congratulate Lebron when he passes Kareem. But please remember if he doesn't pass Kareem, its not because he didnt want to. Its because he couldn't. The same goes for any stat you choose and any player you choose.

Congrats to Lebron for being the youngest to accomplish something.

Totally agree but same thing goes for Jordan could have/ should have won 8 rings.

[Orangejello727]

Totally agree but same thing goes for Jordan could have/ should have won 8 rings.

I believe MJ won 6 rings and that all he could have. Im not a "what if" guy. I oppose the viewpoints of people claiming what could have been and trying to evaluate a career based on it. Facts are facts!

[6celtics33]

Jordan doesn't need what ifs

[TBarn291]

But this is the norm.... If it's got Lebron or any other player in the title of a thread then the slurpers are allowed to talk down any other player but if you defend any other player then there will be plenty of people waiting to jump down my throat and tell me this isn't a Jordan thread. Note I wasn't the one who brought Jordan up. Maybe Lebron could add 5,000 points to his total if he'd ever get his free throw % to 80-85.

Hahahahahahah soooo true. It's going to be embarrassing if Tristan get's his FT percentage above Lebron's. It drives me nuts to see the Cavs lose games by handful of points when Lebron is like 4-10 at the line.

[NeedChapmans]

Hahahahahahah soooo true. It's going to be embarrassing if Tristan get's his FT percentage above Lebron's. It drives me nuts to see the Cavs lose games by handful of points when Lebron is like 4-10 at the line.


Sunday, March 1st, 2015. 3-11 from the line, Cavs lost by 2 to Houston.

I dare you to find another one where LeBron shot less than 50% from the line in a loss by a handful of points.

So your outrage for these game(s) has happened a total of once this decade.

[exoticprince]

NBA finals game 7, Lebron hits free throw to ice the game and the series, after seemingly hurting his wrist the play before. Whatever his free throw % is he hits it when it counts most

Hahahahahahah soooo true. It's going to be embarrassing if Tristan get's his FT percentage above Lebron's. It drives me nuts to see the Cavs lose games by handful of points when Lebron is like 4-10 at the line.

[6celtics33]

NBA finals game 7, Lebron hits free throw to ice the game and the series, after seemingly hurting his wrist the play before. Whatever his free throw % is he hits it when it counts most

I'll have to have asjubl check my calculations to be sure but it looked like he went 4-10 in the final 3 games of the heat Dallas series for the title. Those probably counted most too. I can think of a lot of good things to say about Lebron but clutch isn't one.

[asujbl]

I'll have to have asjubl check my calculations to be sure but it looked like he went 4-10 in the final 3 games of the heat Dallas series for the title. Those probably counted most too. I can think of a lot of good things to say about Lebron but clutch isn't one.

I trust you can add. It's your multiplication skills that need work... and spelling.

[GC1980]

@tj.... So in your mind Jordan didn't become a great post player later in his career when he came out of retirement?

Youngest to 28k is great. As said previously, it's a testament to LBJ's great health and durability as well as how NBA ready he was at such a young age. I am sure he will be first to several other milestones as well.

I too am curious about this post game comment though, it stuck out like a sore thumb to me as well and nothing wrong with Celts calling it out.

Both MJ and Kobe had fantastic post games late in their careers, especially MJ. I don't see any hint of a refined post game from LBJ and would be surprised if we ever do. His foot work is light years behind both MJ and Kobe. It's not even remotely comparable.

I don't think we see a major decline in his athletic ability so soon though so maybe he won't need to develop one. Given the advances in training, sports nutrition, recovery techniques and sports science and the relatively modern idea of "rest" days, there is no reason a professional athlete should be declining in his early 30's these days.

Remember, MJ retired at the top of his game and was still capable at 40 after a nice layoff and Kobe was going strong before injuries got to him.

[tjforce]

A couple things....

Celtics: While Jordan's game did transition to the post later in his career, Lebron will have the size and strength to do it to an every greater degree. He can play traditional Power Forward if need be later on.

As for deciding if he wants to do it or not.... Jordan could have broken the scoring record if he really wanted to. Had he never retired and pulled a Vince Carter or KG and simply played until there was nothing left and he was no longer adding much to the team, I believe he'd pass Kareem. Same thing if it comes down to a 39 year old Lebron adding 12 points a game to pass Kareem.

[GC1980]

A couple things....

Celtics: While Jordan's game did transition to the post later in his career, Lebron will have the size and strength to do it to an every greater degree. He can play traditional Power Forward if need be later on.

.

Size isn't everything in the post. Sure he is bigger but he lacks the moves and skill the other two had. Granted post defense is tragic these days so maybe you can get away without those skills. I just don't see him becoming the post player MJ was.

[exoticprince]

lol Lebron's a completely different player now mentally. He's much more in control of himself mentally than he was then almost a completely different person. His mental lapse in that series would never happen again. It was part of his growth

I'll have to have asjubl check my calculations to be sure but it looked like he went 4-10 in the final 3 games of the heat Dallas series for the title. Those probably counted most too. I can think of a lot of good things to say about Lebron but clutch isn't one.

[exoticprince]

^^^And I believe struggles like that lead him to accomplish what he did later

[tjforce]

Size isn't everything in the post. Sure he is bigger but he lacks the moves and skill the other two had. Granted post defense is tragic these days so maybe you can get away without those skills. I just don't see him becoming the post player MJ was.

He's already a better rebounder and passer than Jordan. I imagine a late career Lebron sort of like what Draymond Green is right now. he doesn't have to be back to the basket to be a post player.

Plus he'll make sure he has teammates around him that fit his style of play

[cnewby]

He's already a better rebounder and passer than Jordan. I imagine a late career Lebron sort of like what Draymond Green is right now. he doesn't have to be back to the basket to be a post player.

Plus he'll make sure he has teammates around him that fit his style of play

Please, dont be like Draymond.

[TBarn291]

Sunday, March 1st, 2015. 3-11 from the line, Cavs lost by 2 to Houston.

I dare you to find another one where LeBron shot less than 50% from the line in a loss by a handful of points.

So your outrage for these game(s) has happened a total of once this decade.



Lol thanks for the clarification. I was exaggerating and partially joking. And it's obviously not just Lebron, Tristan is probably the worst free throw shooter on the team.

[GC1980]

He's already a better rebounder and passer than Jordan. I imagine a late career Lebron sort of like what Draymond Green is right now. he doesn't have to be back to the basket to be a post player.

Plus he'll make sure he has teammates around him that fit his style of play

We are talking scoring in this thread, what does passing and rebounding have to do with anything? As a post scorer, Lebron is not nearly as good as either Kobe or MJ. Developing a post game as I understand in this context means scoring, back to the basket in the post unless I am just missing something.

I won't touch the rebounding and passing stuff because this isn't an MJ v LBJ thread. I personally think Lebron, barring injury, will score more total points. I just don't see him developing a post game.

[tjforce]

We are talking scoring in this thread, what does passing and rebounding have to do with anything? As a post scorer, Lebron is not nearly as good as either Kobe or MJ. Developing a post game as I understand in this context means scoring, back to the basket in the post unless I am just missing something.

I won't touch the rebounding and passing stuff because this isn't an MJ v LBJ thread. I personally think Lebron, barring injury, will score more total points. I just don't see him developing a post game.

Because I'm talking about productivity and the ability to play at a high level for a long time.

I think we can all agree that if Lebron plays until he's 40 and stays relatively healthy he will pass Kareem. If you disagree, you are probably not very good with numbers.

His rebounding and passing abilities will keep him a productive player for a long time, unlike Kobe. Michael had this going for him to, and like I said, could have passed Kareem if he wanted.

[GC1980]

Because I'm talking about productivity and the ability to play at a high level for a long time.

I think we can all agree that if Lebron plays until he's 40 and stays relatively healthy he will pass Kareem. If you disagree, you are probably not very good with numbers.

His rebounding and passing abilities will keep him a productive player for a long time, unlike Kobe. Michael had this going for him to, and like I said, could have passed Kareem if he wanted.

Yeah if he plays from 18-40 injury free I think he will pass Kareem. he still won't have a post game though ;)

[jj2]

Haha, and here is the professor. Tax professor, grammar professor, and now math professor. You all are so predictable it's hilarious. Now I just need jj2 to quote me and give a one line snarky remark and it will be complete.

Seeing as you needlessly brought me into this:

The irony of you talking about people being predictable is almost overwhelming.

I'm sorry if I've upset you to the point where you have to specifically call me out in a thread I've, to that point, had no involvement in.

[tjforce]

Yeah if he plays from 18-40 injury free I think he will pass Kareem. he still won't have a post game though ;)

Great. Then start a separate thread titled "Who had a better traditional post game, Lebron or Kareem", for a more relevant conversation on this.

[NeedChapmans]

Yeah if he plays from 18-40 injury free I think he will pass Kareem. he still won't have a post game though ;)

Why through 40?

He'll be less than 10,000 points shy after this season. Can't he reasonably pass Kareem during his age 37/38 (6 more full seasons from now) season, even if he slides a bit toward the end?

[asujbl]

Forget age...

If LeBron plays the same career games as Kareem? He needs to basically average 20 points per game until he's done.

[GC1980]

Great. Then start a separate thread titled "Who had a better traditional post game, Lebron or Kareem", for a more relevant conversation on this.

What was irrelevant? Lebron developing a post game unlike MJ or Kobe was your first point. I just didn't agree. Happy to keep it in the framework of the original topic though.

To the other c[omment I only referenced 40 because of the comment I quoted. I for one don't see LBJ declining offensively or athletically for several more season.

[tjforce]

What was irrelevant? Lebron developing a post game unlike MJ or Kobe was your first point. It was either worded poorly or flat out wrong. I also commented very clearly on the OP.

To the other c[omment I only referenced 40 because of the comment I quoted. I for one don't see LBJ declining offensively or athletically for several more season.

"He has the natural advantage that with his size he will be able to transition to more of a post player later in his career, unlike Jordan and Kobe."

This was my exact quote. I'll break it down for you. It doesn't say that he currently has a better post game than late career Jordan; it refers to him having an natural advantage in size to make the transition easier. Nor does it say that Jordan had no post game. He won't have to be as skilled as Jordan was because his size will make up for it.

I know I didn't dumb it down to the level of some members here but I figured most would be able to interpret my statement without having it broken down. Does that make sense?

[byronscott4ever]

I think both could break it if they want it, but does it matter that much? Titles are #1, then "brand" (my opinion) and so it will be interesting to see if they pursue it.

[cnewby]

Delete...

[imbluestreak23]

He's already a better rebounder and passer than Jordan. I imagine a late career Lebron sort of like what Draymond Green is right now. he doesn't have to be back to the basket to be a post player.

Plus he'll make sure he has teammates around him that fit his style of play

Untrue, but not worth arguing about.

[imbluestreak23]

I hate LeBron.
I love Durant.

Both have reasonable shots at breaking the record based on the fact that over the past ~20 years, players have entered the NBA at a much younger age than ever before.

So, while youngest to do this and that is wonderful and magnificent, and career totals records are commendable, it needs to put in the proper framework. Thus the reason why stats are standardized...AKA per season averages.

Would love to see Bron or KD catch the career points per game record (no I wouldn't). <- Don't see that happening.

[Starman101]

Youngest to 28k is great. As said previously, it's a testament to LBJ's great health and durability as well as how NBA ready he was at such a young age. I am sure he will be first to several other milestones as well.

I too am curious about this post game comment though, it stuck out like a sore thumb to me as well and nothing wrong with Celts calling it out.

Both MJ and Kobe had fantastic post games late in their careers, especially MJ. I don't see any hint of a refined post game from LBJ and would be surprised if we ever do. His foot work is light years behind both MJ and Kobe. It's not even remotely comparable.

I don't think we see a major decline in his athletic ability so soon though so maybe he won't need to develop one. Given the advances in training, sports nutrition, recovery techniques and sports science and the relatively modern idea of "rest" days, there is no reason a professional athlete should be declining in his early 30's these days.

Remember, MJ retired at the top of his game and was still capable at 40 after a nice layoff and Kobe was going strong before injuries got to him.

Well said and agreed 100%

[rhigh2390]

I hate LeBron.
I love Durant.

Both have reasonable shots at breaking the record based on the fact that over the past ~20 years, players have entered the NBA at a much younger age than ever before.

So, while youngest to do this and that is wonderful and magnificent, and career totals records are commendable, it needs to put in the proper framework. Thus the reason why stats are standardized...AKA per season averages.

Would love to see Bron or KD catch the career points per game record (no I wouldn't). <- Don't see that happening.

Agree here. I'll say it again. Lebron is great and has great numbers, but he did have a head start. It's not a knock on him, it's just a fact. And that fact has to be factored into discussions. Great accomplishment though

[ninjacookies]

quality > quantity

[tjforce]

Untrue, but not worth arguing about.

Hahha The only thing worth arguing about is whether this statement is fueled by stupidity or ignorance.

[Nyfancam01]

I really hope Lebron can get there. Would love to see him break every record he possibly can.

KING JAMES!

[GC1980]

Hahha The only thing worth arguing about is whether this statement is fueled by stupidity or ignorance.

Lebron averages one more rebound per game over MJ despite being a 6'8" 250lb front court player...Only season MJ had primary ball handling responsibility similar to what Lebron has had was 1988-89, he averaged 8 assists per game while still averaging over 32 ppg.

I'm not sure the statement is fueled by stupidity or ignorance. It's actually a fair conversation. I think LBJ is the better passer but not by nearly as great a margin as people think. He excellent but isn't exactly Magic Johnson.

Rebounding I would actually give to MJ. There were actual legit big men and bruising power forwards crashing rebounds and no soft zone defense in MJ's day so a 6'6" 198-205lb SG grabbing 1 less rebound is a bit more impressive to me.

All subjective so you're welcome to your opinion but LBJ isn't some Rodman/Magic hybrid where he is so clearly superior in both these areas of the game.

[GC1980]

quality > quantity

Well said.

[6celtics33]

Lebron averages one more rebound per game over MJ despite being a 6'8" 250lb front court player...Only season MJ had primary ball handling responsibility similar to what Lebron has had was 1988-89, he averaged 8 assists per game while still averaging over 32 ppg.

I'm not sure the statement is fueled by stupidity or ignorance. It's actually a fair conversation. I think LBJ is the better passer but not by nearly as great a margin as people think. He excellent but isn't exactly Magic Johnson.

Rebounding I would actually give to MJ. There were actual legit big men and bruising power forwards crashing rebounds and no soft zone defense in MJ's day so a 6'6" 198-205lb SG grabbing 1 less rebound is a bit more impressive to me.

All subjective so you're welcome to your opinion but LBJ isn't some Rodman/Magic hybrid where he is so clearly superior in both these areas of the game.

I agree Lebron is definitely a better passer but not a better rebounder. It's 1 rebound a game in a time where there are fewer true centers and tons of 3s with long bounces making more long boards to perimeter players available for wing guys. But they are going to pick and choose which stats mean anything to them and which ones are important. It's pointless to talk about.

I for one TJ am an idiot and need things broken down for me so thanks for meeting me on my level. I appreciate it.