LeBron James becomes third NBA player all-time to score 36000 points

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 30, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James made NBA history on Tuesday by becoming only the third player ever to score  36000 points. He had 32 points in the contest to lead the Lakers to a 132-123 win over the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston. Texas.

James’s recorded the milestone with a free throw with 35 seconds left in the contest. At the time, the Lakers went up 129-121. James finished the night with 36001 career NBA points. James also was one of two Lakers to record a triple-double in the game, as he also had 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Russell Westbrook, who is the NBA all-time leader in triple doubles,  had 24 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. For his career, Westbrook now has 191 triple doubles.

Meanwhile, the only other two NBA players with 36000 career points are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38387 points), and Karl Malone (36928 points). All three players played with the Lakers in their NBA career.

However what made James’s feat so significant is the fact he did it while starting at the position of center for the first time in his NBA career. The Lakers have been decimated with injuries in the month of December. Among the players out are Anthony Davis, Kendrick Nunn, Trevor Ariza, and Rajon Rondo.

The Lakers have had a tough time finding their form this year. At 17 wins and 18 losses, Los Angeles is one game below the .5o0 mark. One area of concern has actually been the play of Westbrook, who leads the NBA with 163 turnovers, and only has 19.8 points per game, his lowest production since 2009-10.

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