ESPN Sep 6, 2023, 11:01 AM ETRead: 7 min.
The records that are within reach of LeBron James
Sebastián Martínez-Christensen explains the historical value of the records that LeBron easily breaks.
Introducing the biggest milestones, streaks, and anniversaries we hope to celebrate during the 2023-24 NBA season.
The NBA is preparing to start its 77th season and the fans are beginning to throb with the excitement that intense competition has in store for them. But there’s always an added level of anticipation surrounding significant milestones and anniversaries that could be celebrated.
However, basketball fans don’t have to stray far for that intense drama; as the league awaits the outcome of team change requests from Damian Lillard y James Harden. Both All-Stars seek their own milestones: Lillard, historical leader in points and triples of the Portland Trail Blazers, he is barely 169 assists away from surpassing the franchise mark for that category. Harden, in the midst of his saga with the Philadelphia 76ershe could also seek a significant career high, finding himself 220 three-pointers shy of surpassing Ray Allen and conquer second place in the historical list of long-distance shooters.
From players seeking to stamp their names in the record books in chapters of individual feats, as is the case with LeBron James y Russell Westbrook; until remembering iconic confrontations and moments that sealed victories in important matches.
Milestones
Points Leaders
LeBron achieved one of the most important feats in the NBA last season, beating Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league’s all-time leading scorer with 38,652 points. In the coming season he will close in on another record, as he is 1,348 points away from reaching 40,000, stamping his name in the record books as the first player to achieve this mark. This is a reasonably achievable feat for the King (who totaled 1,590 points last season) and, if his career points-per-game average (27.2) is anything to go by, he could pull it off in his 49th game of the tournament.
LeBron James is set to play his 21st season in the league and sixth with the Lakers.(Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
For his part, Kevin Durant seeks to make the leap on the board of all-time leading scorers, requiring 518 points to surpass Hakeem Olajuwon, Elvin Hayes y Moses Malone and occupy the tenth position in the list of best scorers in the history of the NBA. Durant will seek to establish himself in his second year with the Phoenix Suns, as he spent most of last tournament dealing with injuries to settle for just 208 goals. But if he can stay healthy and consistent and post a career points-per-game average (27.3), he’ll reach his mark in his 18th game of the season.
If Durant wants to break into the Top 10, he will have to add 1,705 points to surpass Shaquille O’Neal y Carmelo Anthony and become the eighth all-time scorer in the NBA. It’s possible he’ll reach this milestone in his 63rd game; however, Durant hasn’t played more than 55 games in a single season since 2018-19.
Streaks in danger?
Two of the biggest names in the NBA will be looking to keep their scoring streaks alive in this tournament about to begin.
LeBron is entering his 21st season in the league and has scored at least 10 points in 1,151 consecutive regular-season games. James will seek to extend the longest streak in NBA history starting on October 24, in the Lakers’ season opener against the defending champions Denver Nuggets.
Stephen Curry, owner of the all-time record in all-time triples with 3,390, after surpassing Ray Allen in 2021, will seek to maintain his string of games shooting from long distance. Curry has made at least one 3-pointer in 245 consecutive regular-season games, the longest 3-point streak in NBA history. Additionally, the figure of the Golden State Warriors holds the record for consecutive regular-season games with multiple 3-pointers, currently standing at 56 games. Curry and the Warriors will seek to come back in the Western Conference: they will debut on October 24 against their direct rivals the Phoenix Suns.
Stephen Curry has made at least one 3-pointer in 245 consecutive regular-season games, the longest streak in NBA history.(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The importance of the triple-double
Currently, Russell Westbrook holds the all-time record for triple-doubles in the NBA with 198. The All-Star point guard, who will play his 17th season in the league and his first full tournament defending the cause of the LA Clippersis two triple-doubles away from becoming the first player to add 200 for life.
The closest active player to Westbrook’s record is LeBron, with 107 triple-doubles and just one shy of surpassing Jason Kidd for the fourth all-time spot in the category. However, the star of the Nuggets and MVP of the Finals of the 2021-22 tournament Nikola Jokic he’s not far behind, with 105 triple-doubles.
James Harden could also move up the all-time leader board. The Sixers guard is five triple-doubles away from beating Wilt Chamberlain and conquer seventh place on the list.
birthdays
Next season will be marked by several historic anniversaries and fans will be able to celebrate pivotal moments that have forged the NBA. From record wins to the most memorable baskets, here are some big moments that will be celebrated this season.
Michael Jordan retired three times during his 15 seasons as a player.Rob Schumacher/The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK
Popovich celebrates the fifth anniversary of his historic victory: On April 13, the coach of the san antonio spurs Gregg Popovich will celebrate the fifth anniversary of his 1,413th victory, with which he surpassed Lenny Wilkens to become the winningest coach in NBA history. Popovich has been the Spurs’ head coach since 1996 and has led the organization to five NBA championships. At the beginning of August, “Pop” was exalted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fameand in this new campaign he will seek the return of the Spurs to the playoffs after four consecutive absences in the postseason.
The 20th anniversary of James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh’s NBA introductions: On October 29, 2003, some of basketball’s most iconic players made their NBA debut; among them, LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets) y Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors). LeBron, the first overall pick in the 2003 draft, had 25 points, nine assists and four steals at the age of 19 during a 106-92 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
The 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan’s first retirement: On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his first retirement from the NBA. After spending nine seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan announced his early retirement four months after leading the Bulls to their third straight championship, beating the Chicago Suns in six games. Charles Barkley.
Jordan’s iconic and agony basket known as “The Shot” in the 1989 playoffs will be 35 years old: On May 7, 1989, in Game 5 against the Cavaliers, Jordan received a pass and made the shot that sealed the Bulls’ 101-100 series victory. The moment in which Jordan jumps into the air and raises his fist several times, as a sign of celebration, is famous.
2023-09-06 15:01:00
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