AP PHOTOS: LeBron James’ run to the NBA scoring record
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James tosses powder in the air prior to the team’s NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
FILE -Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James smiles during the first overtime period of Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Mich., Thursday, May 31, 2007. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way.(AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
FILE -Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) drives against Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) during the third quarter in Game 6 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Thursday, June 7, 2012, in Boston. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way.(AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
FILE - Miami Heat’s LeBron James adjusts his protective mask during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Miami, Monday, March 3, 2014 against the Charlotte Bobcats. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way.(AP Photo/J Pat Carter, File)
FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James, right, is congratulated by Kevin Love, after Jame’s 867th consecutive game scoring in double figures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in Cleveland, Friday, March 30, 2018. James surpassed the old mark of 866 held by Michael Jordan. Cavaliers forward Love, in an essay for The Associated Press, reflected on his years as James’ teammate. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)
FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, back left, is hugged by Kevin Love after Game 7 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 19, 2016. Cavaliers forward Love, in an essay for The Associated Press, reflected on his years as James’ teammate. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
FILE -LeBron James speaks at the opening ceremony for the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, Monday, July 30, 2018. The I Promise School is supported by the The LeBron James Family Foundation and is run by the Akron Public Schools. LeBron James is soon going to be in the NBA record books as the most prolific scorer ever. But for all his accomplishments on the basketball court, it is James’ ambitious pursuits off-the-court that may ultimately distinguish his legacy from other superstar athletes’.(AP Photo/Phil Long, File)
FILE - Miami Heat’s LeBron James (6) is congratulated by Shane Battier (31) late during the second half in Game 3 of an opening-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Charlotte Bobcats in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, April 26, 2014. Former Heat forward Battier, in an essay for The Associated Press, says he would sometimes marvel at the things James did when they were teammates. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
FILE - Miami Heat’s Mike Miller, left, Shane Battier, center, and LeBron James, right, watch from the bench during a Miami Heat NBA basketball scrimmage on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, in Miami. Former Heat forward Battier, in an essay for The Associated Press, says he would sometimes marvel at the things James did when they were teammates. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
FILE -Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) celebrates during the second half in Game 6 of basketball’s NBA Finals against Miami Heat Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
FILE - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, walks back to the bench as head coach Darvin Ham stands on the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Los Angeles. Lakers coach Ham, in an essay for The Associated Press, says James’ work ethic is beyond compare. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
FILE - Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James goes up for a dunk during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in Philadelphia. Lakers coach Darvin Ham, in an essay for The Associated Press, says James’ work ethic is beyond compare. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
FILE - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Jan. 25, 2023, in Los Angeles. James stood on the shoulders of those who came before him, and used their examples to make impact both on and off the court. And the soon-to-be NBA career scoring leader probably values his off-court work more. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
DELETES REFERENCE TO SHOT SETTING THE SCORING RECORD - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates after scoring to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, is hugged by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after passing Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James tosses powder in the air prior to the team’s NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James tosses powder in the air prior to the team’s NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
FILE -Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James smiles during the first overtime period of Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Mich., Thursday, May 31, 2007. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way.(AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
FILE -Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James smiles during the first overtime period of Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Mich., Thursday, May 31, 2007. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way.(AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
FILE -Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) drives against Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) during the third quarter in Game 6 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Thursday, June 7, 2012, in Boston. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way.(AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
FILE -Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) drives against Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) during the third quarter in Game 6 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Thursday, June 7, 2012, in Boston. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way.(AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
FILE - Miami Heat’s LeBron James adjusts his protective mask during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Miami, Monday, March 3, 2014 against the Charlotte Bobcats. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way.(AP Photo/J Pat Carter, File)
FILE - Miami Heat’s LeBron James adjusts his protective mask during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Miami, Monday, March 3, 2014 against the Charlotte Bobcats. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way.(AP Photo/J Pat Carter, File)
FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James, right, is congratulated by Kevin Love, after Jame’s 867th consecutive game scoring in double figures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in Cleveland, Friday, March 30, 2018. James surpassed the old mark of 866 held by Michael Jordan. Cavaliers forward Love, in an essay for The Associated Press, reflected on his years as James’ teammate. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)
FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James, right, is congratulated by Kevin Love, after Jame’s 867th consecutive game scoring in double figures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in Cleveland, Friday, March 30, 2018. James surpassed the old mark of 866 held by Michael Jordan. Cavaliers forward Love, in an essay for The Associated Press, reflected on his years as James’ teammate. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)
FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, back left, is hugged by Kevin Love after Game 7 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 19, 2016. Cavaliers forward Love, in an essay for The Associated Press, reflected on his years as James’ teammate. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, back left, is hugged by Kevin Love after Game 7 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 19, 2016. Cavaliers forward Love, in an essay for The Associated Press, reflected on his years as James’ teammate. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
FILE -LeBron James speaks at the opening ceremony for the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, Monday, July 30, 2018. The I Promise School is supported by the The LeBron James Family Foundation and is run by the Akron Public Schools. LeBron James is soon going to be in the NBA record books as the most prolific scorer ever. But for all his accomplishments on the basketball court, it is James’ ambitious pursuits off-the-court that may ultimately distinguish his legacy from other superstar athletes’.(AP Photo/Phil Long, File)
FILE -LeBron James speaks at the opening ceremony for the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, Monday, July 30, 2018. The I Promise School is supported by the The LeBron James Family Foundation and is run by the Akron Public Schools. LeBron James is soon going to be in the NBA record books as the most prolific scorer ever. But for all his accomplishments on the basketball court, it is James’ ambitious pursuits off-the-court that may ultimately distinguish his legacy from other superstar athletes’.(AP Photo/Phil Long, File)
FILE - Miami Heat’s LeBron James (6) is congratulated by Shane Battier (31) late during the second half in Game 3 of an opening-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Charlotte Bobcats in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, April 26, 2014. Former Heat forward Battier, in an essay for The Associated Press, says he would sometimes marvel at the things James did when they were teammates. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
FILE - Miami Heat’s LeBron James (6) is congratulated by Shane Battier (31) late during the second half in Game 3 of an opening-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Charlotte Bobcats in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, April 26, 2014. Former Heat forward Battier, in an essay for The Associated Press, says he would sometimes marvel at the things James did when they were teammates. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
FILE - Miami Heat’s Mike Miller, left, Shane Battier, center, and LeBron James, right, watch from the bench during a Miami Heat NBA basketball scrimmage on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, in Miami. Former Heat forward Battier, in an essay for The Associated Press, says he would sometimes marvel at the things James did when they were teammates. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
FILE - Miami Heat’s Mike Miller, left, Shane Battier, center, and LeBron James, right, watch from the bench during a Miami Heat NBA basketball scrimmage on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, in Miami. Former Heat forward Battier, in an essay for The Associated Press, says he would sometimes marvel at the things James did when they were teammates. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
FILE -Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) celebrates during the second half in Game 6 of basketball’s NBA Finals against Miami Heat Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
FILE -Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) celebrates during the second half in Game 6 of basketball’s NBA Finals against Miami Heat Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. LeBron James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring leader. The AP is looking back at some of his top games along the way. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
FILE - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, walks back to the bench as head coach Darvin Ham stands on the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Los Angeles. Lakers coach Ham, in an essay for The Associated Press, says James’ work ethic is beyond compare. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
FILE - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, walks back to the bench as head coach Darvin Ham stands on the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Los Angeles. Lakers coach Ham, in an essay for The Associated Press, says James’ work ethic is beyond compare. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
FILE - Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James goes up for a dunk during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in Philadelphia. Lakers coach Darvin Ham, in an essay for The Associated Press, says James’ work ethic is beyond compare. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
FILE - Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James goes up for a dunk during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in Philadelphia. Lakers coach Darvin Ham, in an essay for The Associated Press, says James’ work ethic is beyond compare. James is about to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA career scoring record. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
FILE - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Jan. 25, 2023, in Los Angeles. James stood on the shoulders of those who came before him, and used their examples to make impact both on and off the court. And the soon-to-be NBA career scoring leader probably values his off-court work more. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
FILE - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Jan. 25, 2023, in Los Angeles. James stood on the shoulders of those who came before him, and used their examples to make impact both on and off the court. And the soon-to-be NBA career scoring leader probably values his off-court work more. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
DELETES REFERENCE TO SHOT SETTING THE SCORING RECORD - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
DELETES REFERENCE TO SHOT SETTING THE SCORING RECORD - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates after scoring to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates after scoring to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, is hugged by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after passing Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, is hugged by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after passing Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Associated Press photographers have captured LeBron James for the entirety of his 20-year career, starting from when he was an 18-year-old rookie to now as a 38-year-old who just became the most prolific scorer in NBA history.
That covers both his stints in Cleveland, his two championships in Miami, the third title when he returned to the Cavaliers and a fourth inside the pandemic bubble for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Check out some highlights of James’ run to the NBA scoring record, as captured by the AP.
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