The Los Angeles Lakers celebrated LeBron James’s recent scoring record with a second ceremony prior to tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Lakers took another chance to honor King James, who passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league’s all-time leading scorer.
Taking charge of the ceremony was Lakers legend and Hall-of-Famer James Worthy, who opened the celebration by congratulating LeBron.
‘We love you. We’re glad that you broke the record in a Laker jersey. And we can’t thank you enough for who you are and what you do on the court,’ Worthy said.
‘[And] especially for the humanitarian work that you’ve done and you continue to do with your school and your business. We just can’t say enough. Congratulations!’
LeBron James was honored by the Los Angeles Lakers yet again before Thursday’s game
LeBron was joined by his entire family on the court for the ceremony before the Bucks game
James was then handed the mic, and shared some words about his inspirations and how he got to this moment.
‘When I was three years old on December 25, 1988, my mother bought me a Little Tykes hoop. And there’s actually a photo floating around of that Christmas gift,’ James shared.
‘That moment I fell in love with basketball. I was about to turn four years old on December 30 of that year.
‘But from that moment on, I knew that that orange sphere was something that I always wanted to be a part of my journey.
‘And who would know… someone said on on social media, that that was the biggest investment in the history of mankind, a $20 Little Tykes hoop could turn into what it’s turned to today. Mom, thank you. Thank you so much.’
James dedicated more time of his ceremony to his family, introducing them as ‘his starting five.’
‘You know, my two boys – Bronny, Bryce – my daughter Zuri. My mom, Gloria, my wife, Savannah, like this is my starting five,’ he added.
‘And I wouldn’t be able to do the things that I do on a day to day basis, I wouldn’t be out, I wouldn’t be able to come on this court and showcase my talent to you guys every single night, if I didn’t have the support, and I didn’t have the commitment from my family that allowed me to do the things that I do.
Days ago, LeBron officially passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar becoming the all-time scoring leader
‘So, you know, I wouldn’t be standing up here. I wouldn’t be who I am. I wouldn’t be able to inspire so many people all over the world.
‘I wouldn’t be able to inspire the Laker faithful. I wouldn’t be able to inspire, nobody if I didn’t have the sacrifices and the commitment from my starting five right here. So please give them a round of applause. Please.’
Just two days ago, James knocked down a fadeaway jump shot from the left elbow that officially saw him pass Kareem for first on the all-time NBA career scoring list.
Fans shelled out thousands to secure a seat at Crypto.com arena to witness history, and James didn’t disappoint them – putting on a show by dropping 38 total points to seal the record.
James went into the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder only needing 36 points to overtake the record of 38,387 – which was set by Abdul-Jabbar in 1989.
Unfortunately, the record was the only moment of triumph for Lakers fans – as they watched the home team lose 133-130 to OKC.
Following the record-breaking shot, James walked away with his hands high in the air before he was mobbed by teammates and eventually his sons, Bronny and Bryce, along with wife, Savannah.
The game between the Lakers and OKC was stopped in order to recognize the moment.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver grabbed a microphone, as social media ran wild, to honor James alongside Abdul-Jabbar, who gifted James the ceremonial basketball.
James missed Lakers’ 115-106 defeat by the Bucks Thursday night due to injury.
LeBron’s incredible career has led to him overtaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s (right) record
Just two days ago, James knocked down a fadeaway jump shot from the left elbow
