NBA LeBron James 40,000-point milestone LA Lakers loss Denver Nuggets

LeBron James makes history with 40,000 career points in NBA, but Lakers lose to Nuggets. Bittersweet moment for the star player.

LeBron James made history on Saturday by becoming the first NBA player to reach 40,000 career regular-season points, a remarkable achievement that he described as "bittersweet" after his Los Angeles Lakers team fell to the Denver Nuggets with a score of 124-114. Despite the loss, the 39-year-old superstar scored 26 points in the game and reflected on the significance of his accomplishment, acknowledging the greats that came before him in the league.

James reached the milestone with a driving lay-up in the second quarter, eliciting a standing ovation from the crowd and having the historic ball removed from play. While the Nuggets extended their winning streak to six games behind Nikola Jokic's 35 points, James expressed mixed emotions about achieving the record in a defeat, emphasizing the importance of team success over individual accolades.

Having previously surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scorer in February 2023, James is now in his 21st season and remains the league's oldest active player. Reflecting on his achievement, he highlighted the dedication, longevity, and luck required to reach such a milestone, noting the importance of staying healthy and productive on the court.

Despite the loss, Lakers coach Darvin Ham commended James for his incredible accomplishment, recognizing the ongoing legacy of the legendary player. While the game may not have ended in victory, James' milestone serves as a testament to his enduring excellence and impact on the sport of basketball.

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