LeBron James Sets New NBA Field Goal Record Despite Lakers’ Loss to Nuggets
LeBron James etched another milestone into his legendary career on Thursday night, becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in field goals made. However, the historic moment could not prevent the Los Angeles Lakers from falling 120–113 to the Denver Nuggets.
The 41-year-old surpassed the previous record of 15,837 field goals held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after draining a fadeaway jumper in the first quarter. The achievement adds another chapter to a career already defined by longevity and record-breaking performances.
James, who also holds the NBA’s all-time scoring record with more than 43,000 career points, finished the game with 16 points.
The milestone night briefly turned worrying late in the fourth quarter when James appeared to injure his left elbow after being pushed off balance and falling onto a cameraman near the sideline.
Play was temporarily halted as the veteran forward left the court. Though he returned for the final two minutes, he was visibly in discomfort.
Despite the Lakers mounting a late push to cut the deficit to a single point with two minutes remaining, the Nuggets held firm to secure a wire-to-wire victory.
Reigning star Nikola Jokic led Denver with another dominant triple-double, posting 28 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds.
“They’re a difficult team to beat,” Jokic said after the game. “We scored when we needed.”
The result could prove significant in the Western Conference playoff race. The Lakers currently occupy the sixth and final automatic playoff spot, sitting just ahead of Denver.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns missed an opportunity to close the gap after suffering a narrow 105–103 loss to the Chicago Bulls.
James reached the scoring record in 2023 when he surpassed Abdul-Jabbar. While part of that feat came in the modern era with the three-point line—something Abdul-Jabbar did not benefit from for much of his career—the new field goal record further underscores James’ remarkable durability across a record 23 NBA seasons.
Amid growing speculation about retirement, James hinted earlier this year that his future remains uncertain.
“I don’t know what the future holds,” he told reporters in January.
For now, however, the four-time NBA champion continues to rewrite the record books.
