JAY-Z, Kendrick Lamar and Drake are among the many big names who’ve congratulated LeBron James on breaking the NBA’s all-time scoring record.
King James further solidified his place in basketball history on Tuesday night (February 7) by becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s almost 40-year record.
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The 38-year-old poured in 38 points during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 133-130 home loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, bringing his total number of points to 38,390 — three more than The Captain.
James needed just 36 points to reach the milestone, and he hit that historic figure by sinking a fadeaway jumper at the end of the third quarter, a scene familiar to basketball fans throughout his 20-season career.
An emotional LeBron rose both arms in celebration while the sold-out Crypto.com Arena crowd — which included Abdul-Jabbar — stood and applauded. He later gave a brief speech at center court to commemorate the occasion.
“To be able to be in the presence of such a legend and great as Kareem, it means so much to me. It’s very humbling,” he said. “Everybody that has ever been a part of this run with me the last 20-plus years, I want to say thank you so much because I wouldn’t be me without all you.”
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After breaking the scoring record, LBJ was greeted by his longtime friend JAY-Z, who was one of many celebrities in attendance alongside the likes of LL COOL J, Usher, Floyd Mayweather, Denzel Washington and Shannon Sharpe.
The pair were seen dapping each other up and sharing a hug courtside with huge smiles on their faces. Fittingly, Hov wore a Black crewneck sweater adorned with the phrase: “This is Black magic.”
In a video tribute for NBA on TNT, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, Steph Curry and others extended their congratulations to the NBA’s new scoring champ.
“To see you with this type of accomplishment, it always gives a confirmation of: you can be great, no matter where you come from,” Kendrick said.
“From the time you went to the league and you had the doubters and the naysayers and the people that think you wouldn’t take it this far, you proved them wrong, dawg.”
RiRi added: “I am so grateful to witness this moment in history. My favorite thing about being a LeBron James fan is just watching you prove yourself over and over again, against all odds and all doubts.
“Thank you for repping for all of us. Keep striving for greatness always, and congratulations, King James.”
Drake injected some humor into the montage by congratulating LeBron on his “legendary night” from inside what appeared to be his high school basketball gym in Akron, Ohio, only for the green screen behind him to come falling down and reveal his true whereabouts.
“I lied. I lied to you,” Drizzy confessed sheepishly. “I’m actually still at the club in Miami, but definitely all the girls say congrats, though. Right, girls?” To which a chorus of “congrats” rang out from the group of dolled-up partygoers behind him.
The 6 God also saluted King James on his Instagram Stories, sharing a photo of them together along with the caption: “Congratulations my brother @kingjames they probably will have something new to say tmrw but for now enjoy the praise which is like silence to us.”
Elsewhere on social media, noted Lakers fan Lil Wayne tweeted: “Kongrats King!! Glad to say I’ve shaken your hand brudda. God bless you and the fam and the homies,” while Future added: “Congrats @KingJames LEGENDARY.”
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Busta Rhymes also congratulated LeBron on Instagram and suggested his recently released “Murda” collaboration with Bilal should be his new “theme song.”
“CONGRATS TO THE KING @kingjames WELL DESERVED BELOVED!! This should be your new Theme Sing King!!” he wrote. “#MURDA By The [dragon] ft. & @bilalmusic FROM THE @godfatherofharlem Season 3 Episode 3 Soundtrack Prod. By @focus3dots.”
