LeBron James Reaches 43,000 Points in 1,600th Game on Feb 23, 2026

LeBron James scored 43,000 points, more than any other player ever. He did this in his 1,600th game, showing how long he has played at a high level.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

LeBron James has achieved a new scoring milestone, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach 43,000 career regular-season points. This accomplishment occurred during a recent game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics on February 23, 2026. James' continued scoring prowess at 41 years old places him in a singular category within the sport.

Lakers’ James hits layup to reach 43,000 points milestone - 1

The Milestone's Context

This latest achievement marks another significant point in LeBron James' long and storied career. He reached the 43,000-point threshold in his 1,600th regular-season game. He entered this game averaging 21.7 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per contest in his 23rd NBA season. Notably, this milestone comes while James is also on track to miss the 65-game threshold required for this season's All-NBA team eligibility, which would end his 21-year streak.

Lakers’ James hits layup to reach 43,000 points milestone - 2

Evidence of the Achievement

Multiple reports confirm LeBron James crossing the 43,000-point mark.

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Lakers’ James hits layup to reach 43,000 points milestone - 3

  • Video evidence of the specific basket has been shared.

  • The event took place during a game on February 23, 2026, against the Boston Celtics.

  • James' performance in this game contributed to his season averages of 21.7 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.7 rebounds.

  • He also played in his 1,600th regular-season game, a number surpassed only by Robert Parish (1,611) among NBA players.

The Game's Outcome

While James reached his individual scoring milestone, the Los Angeles Lakers lost the game to the Boston Celtics by a score of 111-89. Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard were key players for the Celtics, with Brown recording 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. The Celtics completed a season sweep of the Lakers with this victory. The Lakers' offense struggled, scoring their second-lowest total of the season.

Lakers’ James hits layup to reach 43,000 points milestone - 4

Previous Milestones

This 43,000-point mark follows another significant scoring accomplishment. On March 2, 2024, LeBron James became the first player to reach 40,000 career regular-season points in a game against the Denver Nuggets. He achieved this at 39 years old, scoring 26 points in a 124-114 loss to the Nuggets. At that time, he was already the NBA's all-time leading scorer, having surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar over a year prior.

Observations on Longevity and Records

LeBron James' sustained high level of play into his 40s is a rare occurrence in professional basketball. His ability to continue adding to his scoring record over two decades prompts reflection on the durability and dedication required to achieve such longevity. The difficulty for any current player to approach these scoring totals is considered substantial.

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Analysis and Implications

Reaching 43,000 career points underscores LeBron James' unparalleled offensive consistency and extended career at an elite level. This record is not just a numerical achievement but a testament to his enduring impact on the game. The fact that he achieved this in a losing effort also highlights the team-oriented nature of basketball, where individual success, however monumental, does not always translate to a win. The comparison of his 1,600 games played to Robert Parish's record suggests a similar commitment to the league's duration.

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Conclusion

LeBron James has cemented his legacy further by becoming the first player to score 43,000 regular-season points. This milestone, achieved in his 1,600th game and during his 23rd season, highlights his exceptional longevity and offensive dominance. While this particular game resulted in a loss for the Lakers against the Celtics, it added another remarkable chapter to an already historic career, reinforcing his status as the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

Sources Used:

(Note: Article 5 from TSN was a video link with a very brief summary and was not used for factual content.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did LeBron James reach 43,000 career points?
LeBron James reached 43,000 career regular-season points on February 23, 2026. This happened during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics.
Q: How many games did it take LeBron James to reach 43,000 points?
LeBron James played his 1,600th regular-season game on February 23, 2026, when he reached 43,000 career points. This is a very high number of games played in the NBA.
Q: What was the result of the game where LeBron James reached 43,000 points?
The Los Angeles Lakers lost the game to the Boston Celtics with a score of 111-89. LeBron James reached his scoring milestone, but his team did not win the game.
Q: What does LeBron James' 43,000-point milestone mean for his career?
Reaching 43,000 points shows LeBron James' amazing skill and how long he has played at a top level. He is the first player in NBA history to achieve this, making his legacy even stronger.
Q: How does LeBron James' 43,000-point record compare to previous records?
LeBron James previously became the first player to reach 40,000 career points on March 2, 2024. The 43,000-point mark is a new record, showing his continued scoring ability over many years.