LeBron James moves within 36 points of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record

LeBron James continues to inch closer to breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record, and the legendary Laker will be on hand to see him do so according to a new report.

James scored 27 points vs. the Pelicans Saturday night in a 131-126 Lakers loss, moving him to within 36 points of the all-time mark of 38,387.

And according to Reuters, Abdul-Jabbar will be in attendance in both upcoming Lakers home games vs. the Thunder and Bucks.

‘I’ve been carrying the torch as record holder for 38 years,’ Abdul-Jabbar told CNN’s Don Lemon, who relayed the quote on TV last month. 

‘I’m excited and relieved to pass it along to the next worthy recipient. LeBron earned it and I hope he carries it even longer than I did.’

LeBron James’ 27 points were not enough to help the Lakers beat the Pelicans Saturday

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will reportedly be in attendance as James goes to break his record

Abdul-Jabbar’s planned presence at the games is somewhat surprising given his past criticism of James. 

The six-time NBA champion previously rebuked James for saying that getting the COVID-19 vaccine was a personal choice, and he’s also described James’s on-court celebrations as ‘stupid and childish’.

James has also indicated the pair are not close.

‘No thoughts and no relationship,’ James told reporters earlier this season when asked about how he felt about potentially passing Abdul-Jabbar, and his relationship with the ex-player.

It’s now not a question whether or not James will break the scoring record, but by how much.

At 38 years old, he’s averaging 30 points per game, and is still one of the premier talents in the league, as evidenced by his coast-to-coast drive and dunk on Saturday. 

He’ll face the Thunder on Tuesday before taking on the Bucks Thursday night. 

Even as he gained on Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring mark, after nearly 40 minutes on the court, James couldn’t stop Los Angeles from losing ground in the standing.

Even as he gained on Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring mark, James couldn’t stop the Lakers losing 

Los Angeles lost 131-126 to New Orleans, ending the Pelicans’ losing streak at 10 games

The Lakers lost 131-126 to New Orleans on Saturday night in a result that ended the Pelicans’ losing streak at 10 games.

‘I just want to win,’ James said. ‘You know, you play the game the right way and see what happens.’

James had 27 points to go with nine rebounds and six assists as he continued to close in on Abdul-Jabbar´s record total of 38,387 points.

‘I´m tired as hell,’ James said, but added, ‘I´ll be ready to go on Tuesday,’ when the Lakers play next.

Brandon Ingram had his best game since returning 10 days earlier from a nearly two-month injury absence, scoring 35 points for the Pelicans on an array of drives and jumpers, sometimes in heavy traffic as he was fouled.

CJ McCollum had 23 points, highlighted by a late 3 to help New Orleans close out the final 3:14 on a 9-5 run that kept the Lakers at bay.