Overview
- James crossed the 43,000-point threshold in the third quarter of a 111-89 defeat to Boston, finishing with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds on 9-for-21 shooting.
- The game also counted as his 1,600th regular-season appearance, making him the second player to hit that mark and placing him 11 games from Robert Parish’s record.
- He acknowledged the achievement on Instagram with the message, “1 of 1. NEVER CHANGE… Truly blessed and grateful for all that comes my way! LOVE,” drawing a one-word “King” reply from WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
- Los Angeles fell to 34-22 and sixth in the Western Conference, leaving the Lakers perched just above the play-in line.
- In Year 23, James is averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists, his lowest scoring clip since his rookie season yet further evidence of sustained effectiveness at age 41.