March 4 (Reuters) - LeBron James reached another milestone in his unprecedented NBA career on Tuesday, becoming the first player to score 50,000 total points after hitting a three pointer in the first quarter of the Lakers' blowout win over the Pelicans in Los Angeles.
James entered the contest with 49,999 combined regular season and playoff points and drained a shot from deep to add another landmark moment to his storied career.
"It's a hell of a lot of points," James said after the game.
"I'm super blessed to be able to put that many points up in the best league in the world and with the best players in the world throughout my career.
Therefore, it's pretty unique. When James, 40, defeated fellow Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to win the NBA scoring title in February 2023, he established a new record for the most points scored during the regular season. The native of Akron, Ohio, also holds the all-time playoff scoring record, which he took from the legendary Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls in May 2017. In his 22nd season in the league, James has continued to exhibit no signs of slowing down. He became the NBA Western Conference Player of the Month for February, making 41 monthly awards, three of which came from the Lakers. He is also the oldest player to win the award, passing the previous record set by Karl Malone (age 37) with the Utah Jazz in November of 2000.
Four-time NBA champion James and the Lakers have been on a tear since acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a stunning trade for Anthony Davis last month.
The growing chemistry between James and Doncic was on full display Tuesday as they combined for 64 points and 21 assists in the 136-115 victory.
"He is getting more and more comfortable not only with the team, not only with the sets, but with everything. The fans, LA," James said.
Because he is improving with his calf, his health is going to improve every day. It's good for our team."
Doncic suffered a left calf strain during a Christmas Day game that sidelined him for nearly six weeks.
With their victory on Tuesday, the Lakers have now won seven consecutive games and moved up to second place in the Western Conference standings. This season, James, who has led the defense and scored a lot, said he likes how the team is coming together. "We're just trying to continue to mesh well offensively and defensively and hold each other accountable," James said.
"So far, I think it's working out for us,"
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