LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is no doubt one of the best basketball players of all-time. Although some may argue that players such as the Chicago Bulls‘ star Michael Jordan or Laker legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are better than James, there is no doubt that LeBron James’ statistics are legendary. But just how historical are these numbers? We know that James will soon move into third in all-time points, as well as nearing 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists. Statistics like these are very rare. It is impressive for a player to achieve one category, let alone all three. There’s a real argument for James being the GOAT. statistical player, and it doesn’t seem like he’s slowing down any time soon.
The GOAT Statistical Player
Becoming the All-Time Scoring Leader
LeBron James has put up amazing statistics so far in his career. He currently sits at 33,347 points, just 296 points shy of passing another Laker legend, Kobe Bryant, on the all-time scoring list. Barring another major injury, James will most likely pass Bryant before the All-Star break. Looking at the big picture, James is just over 5,000 points shy of passing Abdul-Jabbar for the all-time scoring title. Of course, father time is undefeated. But at the level that James is playing now, he can afford to decline a little, and still score enough to pass Abdul-Jabbar. The only person in James’ way is himself. Although he has publicized that he doesn’t like load management, that could be the only thing preventing him from becoming the all-time scoring leader in the NBA.
As for reaching 40,000 points? There’s a chance. Although, it is hard to imagine the scoring load James will have to carry later on in his career. If James stays with the Lakers until his contract ends, there’s no telling what the future holds for him. If he ends up on a team that isn’t a true championship threat, his chances of reaching 40,000 points increase. But by James staying with a contender, reaching 40,000 points only becomes more difficult. If James does decide to stay on a contender, it could help boost other arguments for himself becoming the statistical GOAT. That comes in the form of rebounds and assists.
The Most Complete All-Around Player
Again, it’s no secret that James is a dominant player in all facets of the game. Recording over 9,000 assists and rebounds is not an easy task. James has made it a goal of his to try to become the best all-around player he can be. James has always been someone to attack the glass. With the way basketball is progressing, teams have more possessions, so James is likely to keep up his rebounding pace. There is a great chance that James will end up with over 10,000 rebounds within the next few years.
James is currently leading the NBA this season in assists per game with an average of 10.8. As James grows older, he only becomes more unselfish, leading to more assists. It seems as if James has made it a priority to lead the league in assists this year. If James is able to keep up his intensity with his playmaking abilities, there’s no doubt that he will pass 10,000 assists in a few short seasons.
Defensive Accomplishments
James does not have the Defensive Player of the Year accolades to be labeled a great defender. He does not have the First Team All-Defensive accolades to be labeled a great defender. James does not have the media on his side to label him a great defender. However, James’ total defensive statistics tell a different story. James is currently 14th on the all-time steals list with 1,978, only six away from Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson.
As far as blocks go, James is not near the top of the list. James currently has 939 total blocks in his career. Although he is not at the pinnacle with his block totals, he is still one of the best shot blockers this game has seen. In fact, he is one of the highest-ranked forwards on the all-time block list. LeBron James’ statistics show that he is the best all-around player this game has seen.
LeBron James Making History
With all that James has done in his career, there is an argument for himself already being the GOAT statistical player. LeBron James’ statistics are magnificent and barring another major injury, the argument is only going to grow stronger. James is could become the first player in NBA history to record 40,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists. This feat may not make him the consensus GOAT, but surely it will label him as the statistical GOAT in the NBA. If James can continue to compete at a high level wherever he is needed most on the court, his arguments will strengthen.
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