The NBA legend and current all-time scoring record holder has praised LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers star closing in on his record.
James produced his first triple-double of the season as the Lakers beat the New York Knicks in overtime to clinch a crucial victory at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
First of the season for the King pic.twitter.com/YCYzbg7Hgg
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2023
James, 38, now has 38,299 points and trails Abdul-Jabbar by just 89 points and the former Bucks and Lakers legend has praised his future successor.
“I have been carrying the torch as a record holder for 38 years,” Kareem said. “I am excited and relieved to pass it on to the next worthy recipient.
“LeBron has earned it and I expect him to take it even longer than me.
“When I broke Wilt Chamberlain’s scoring record in 1984, the year LeBron was born, it bothered Wilt, who had had a one-sided rivalry with me since I started doing so well in the NBA.
“I don’t feel that way about LeBron. I will not only celebrate his achievement, but I will sing his praises unequivocally.”
“When I broke Wilt Chamberlain’s scoring record in 1984, the year LeBron was born, it upset Wilt, who had had a one-sided rivalry with me since I started doing so well in the NBA. I don’t feel that way about LeBron.” ????
– Kareem (Via AP) pic.twitter.com/wPistcGWTF
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 1, 2023
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