During Wednesday’s Game 2 matchup of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors, LeBron James passed Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the second position on the NBA’s all-time playoff points scored ladder.
James finished the game with 39 points (10-14 FG, 4-6 3PFG), six rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks in 37 minutes of playing time. The King, a known historian of the game of basketball, spoke to members of the media after the win. When asked about his milestone achievement, James said Kareem was someone he read about as a kid.
Via Joe Vardon of cleveland.com:
“You hear a name like Kareem, a guy who’s done so many great things, not only as an individual but as a teammate, winning championships in the 80s and things of that nature and how many points he’s put up — he’s somebody you read about,” James said. “I didn’t get an opportunity to actually watch him play growing up, but I just read about his accomplishments and things he was able to do, so, it’s pretty cool.”
As it turns out, James passed Kareem’s playoff scoring mark in fewer games. Kareem hung up his basketball shoes at the age of 41, having recorded 5,762 points in 237 playoff games. James, who now has 5,777 points in the playoffs, just finished his 205th career postseason game.
“It was always my dream as a kid to be a part of this league and once I seen that gift, and once I seen I had mentors around me that was going to allow my gift to flourish, I didn’t take it for granted,” James said. “I still don’t. Even at 32. I’ve been in this league for 14 years. I don’t take the opportunity for granted.”