Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James stunned the basketball community on Thursday by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leader in made field goals during a road game against the Denver Nuggets. This milestone adds another remarkable achievement to James’ extraordinary 23-year career as he continues performing at an elite level.
Before the game, James trailed Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 15,837 field goals by only two shots, having scored eight in a recent home victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. In the first quarter against Denver, James quickly caught up, delivering a powerful two-handed alley-oop dunk with 6:36 left to tie the record.
Setting the New Scoring Standard Early in the Game
After matching Abdul-Jabbar, James immediately broke the record with a fadeaway baseline jumper as the first quarter drew to a close, officially reaching 15,838 made shots since his NBA debut in 2003. This milestone was met with widespread acclaim both on social media and among basketball analysts, emphasizing the significance of James’ accomplishment.
LeBron James ties the all-time record for field goals made 🚨🚨🚨
His next bucket makes history… watch below. pic.twitter.com/lgKHWoC05a
— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2026
LEBRON JAMES.
MOST FIELD GOALS MADE IN NBA HISTORY.
👑 pic.twitter.com/yCj3h4j6rO
— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2026
The King adds another accolade to the throne 👑
LeBron James has passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most made field goals in NBA history 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TJHy5fygfp
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 6, 2026
Reactions and Praise from the Basketball Community
Celebrations poured in from across the sports world as commentators, former players, and analysts highlighted the magnitude of LeBron James’ new record. Sports media outlets dubbed James “The King of Buckets,” and public figures connected to Lakers history acknowledged the passing of an iconic torch.
THE KING OF BUCKETS 👑
LEBRON JAMES PASSES KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR FOR MOST FIELD GOALS MADE IN NBA HISTORY 🐐 pic.twitter.com/ljhIn8NA7m
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 6, 2026
I want to congratulate Lakers legend and superstar LeBron James on becoming the all-time leader for field goals made in NBA history – passing my Showtime Lakers teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 6, 2026
BREAKING: LeBron James passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most Field Goals Made in NBA HISTORY.
GREATNESS. 🔥👑 pic.twitter.com/g9Ma38qJIx
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 6, 2026
People can have the GOAT debate all day, but LeBron James statistically has the best individual career in NBA history. I really don’t think that’s debatable. https://t.co/FAf4EFaayv
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) March 6, 2026
Record Likely to Stand as LeBron Extends Legendary Career
Experts suggest that James’ new mark is secure for the foreseeable future. Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant ranks as the closest active player with 11,075 field goals, but at age 37, Durant is unlikely to threaten James’ lead, especially as James remains productive at age 41. Through 43 games this season, James averages 21.6 points per contest with a 50.2% shooting efficiency, making roughly 8.1 field goals per game.
LeBron has held the title of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer since early 2023, but surpassing Abdul-Jabbar’s field goal total took longer due to differences in their playing styles. Abdul-Jabbar was known for dominating in free throws and three-pointers, whereas James has focused on versatile scoring, which eventually led him to overtake the Lakers legend in field goals made.
LeBron James’ Enduring Impact on NBA History
This milestone further cements LeBron James’ legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history, raising questions about the longevity of his records. His sustained excellence into his 20th season reflects rare resilience and consistency. Fans and analysts alike anticipate how James will continue shaping the league’s future records and milestones as he extends his career.
With the field goal record in his possession, James inspires a new generation of players, while also adding weight to ongoing discussions about the greatest player of all time. The unprecedented achievement not only highlights individual greatness but also reshapes the scope of NBA history.
LEBRON JAMES.
MOST FIELD GOALS MADE IN NBA HISTORY.
— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2026
LeBron James ties the all-time record for field goals made 🚨🚨🚨
His next bucket makes history… watch below. pic.twitter.com/lgKHWoC05a
— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2026
The King adds another accolade to the throne 👑
LeBron James has passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most made field goals in NBA history 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TJHy5fygfp
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 6, 2026
THE KING OF BUCKETS 👑
LEBRON JAMES PASSES KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR FOR MOST FIELD GOALS MADE IN NBA HISTORY 🐐 pic.twitter.com/ljhIn8NA7m
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 6, 2026
I want to congratulate Lakers legend and superstar LeBron James on becoming the all-time leader for field goals made in NBA history – passing my Showtime Lakers teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 6, 2026
BREAKING: LeBron James passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most Field Goals Made in NBA HISTORY.
GREATNESS. 🔥👑 pic.twitter.com/g9Ma38qJIx
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 6, 2026
People can have the GOAT debate all day, but LeBron James statistically has the best individual career in NBA history. I really don’t think that’s debatable. https://t.co/FAf4EFaayv
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) March 6, 2026
LeBron James has the most field goals made in NBA history🫡
Odds are slim to none that this record will ever be broken.
(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/HQeKVtZ17q— RotoWire Sports Betting (@RotoWireSports) March 6, 2026
LeBron James has officially passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most field goals made in NBA history 👏
One of one 👑 pic.twitter.com/pLWlO7JPjp
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) March 6, 2026
