In Saturday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James made history by becoming the first NBA player to reach 40,000 career regular-season points. Despite this milestone, his Los Angeles Lakers team faced a 124-114 defeat against the defending NBA champions.

Expressing his feelings on the achievement, the 39-year-old, who scored 26 points during the game, described it as “bittersweet.” James acknowledged the significance of being the first player to accomplish such a feat in the league, saying, “You just know the history, you know the greats that have come through.”

The historic basket came with 10 minutes and 39 seconds remaining in the second quarter, as James executed a driving lay-up from the left side of the basket, giving the Lakers a 37-32 lead. The crowd honored James with a standing ovation during a timeout, and the ball he used to reach the milestone was ceremoniously removed from the game.

Despite James’ individual achievement, the Nuggets extended their winning streak to six games, led by Nikola Jokic’s impressive 35 points. James, reflecting on the game, expressed mixed feelings, emphasizing, “The main thing is always the main thing, and that’s the win.” He added, “I hated that had to happen in a defeat, especially versus a team that plays extremely well. We played some good basketball but weren’t able to close it out, so [it’s] bittersweet, but I enjoyed every moment on the floor.”

In February 2023, LeBron James cemented his status as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s longstanding record of 38,387 points. The veteran player, a four-time NBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player, is currently in his 21st campaign and holds the title of the league’s oldest active player.

Addressing the remarkable achievement, James expressed uncertainty about whether another NBA player could reach the 40,000-point milestone. He emphasized the need for longevity in the game, good fortune with injuries, and a commitment to taking care of one’s body while remaining present and productive on the court.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham joined those paying tribute to James, acknowledging the significance of the accomplishment. Despite the individual milestone, Ham expressed a wish for a victorious outcome in the game, stating, “Wish we could have got the win to cap it off. But my hat’s off to him. Amazing, amazing run that continues to this day.”