LeBron James has cemented his position as the all-time leader in NBA history for most 30-point games in the regular season, surpassing Michael Jordan’s record. James currently holds 563 30-point games, nine more than Jordan’s 562.
James achieved this feat with a remarkable 38-point outing during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 114-108 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Notably, James reached this milestone in 1,522 games, 450 more games than Jordan’s 1,072 games. Despite taking longer to achieve the record, James’ accomplishment is a testament to his enduring talent and longevity in the sport.
While both players are renowned for their scoring prowess, their approaches differ. Jordan was primarily known as a scorer, whereas James is recognized for his all-around skills. Interestingly, James has 197 fewer games with 25+ field goal attempts and 32 fewer games with 30+ field goal attempts compared to Jordan. This suggests that if James had taken a similar number of shots as Jordan, he might have surpassed the record even sooner.
LeBron James has often spoken about the influence Michael Jordan had on his career. He even wore the number 23 jersey in honor of Jordan. James has also adopted Jordan’s signature fadeaway shot, which he uses effectively in his games. In fact, James passed Jordan’s record for the most 30-point games using this very shot.
James’ additional seasons in the NBA have contributed significantly to his record-breaking achievement. From seasons 16 to 22 (2019-2025), he averaged 26.6 points in 419 regular-season games. His ability to maintain a high level of performance well into his 40s is a testament to his dedication and skill.
As James continues to play at an elite level, it’s likely he’ll further extend his record, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
