LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers became the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 points on Saturday night against the Denver Nuggets, setting another significant record.

James needed just nine points to reach his goal going into the game, and he did so early in the second quarter with a signature spin move layup.

The King has been outstanding this 2023–24 season, but even he has to acknowledge that he exceeded his expectations by scoring 40,000 points. Even though he was on the opposite side of history, Michael Malone, the head coach of the Nuggets, couldn’t help but wax poetic about what James has accomplished over his career.

Malone remarked, “You just have to marvel at the continued greatness. I don’t get caught up in the number per se.” “There are countless tales of individuals who had a lot of fanfare after graduating from high school. The whole “He’s the next so and so” hoopla, and they never measure up. Even scary is how he has handled the exposure and celebrity at such a young age to accomplish what he is accomplishing at this point in his career, and it doesn’t seem like he is slowing down at all.

But you have to be amazed by the lifespan when you stand back. At this point, he’s not just playing; he’s playing well. I do not doubt that in five or six years, he will decide for himself whether or not I am still playing effectively. He is, too. Thus, you are in awe of the 40,000, the records, the landmarks, the successes, and the titles.

Malone, who served as LeBron James’s first assistant for five years with the Cleveland Cavaliers, praised James for his perseverance and commitment to putting in the necessary work to be a great player.

“When I talk about LeBron, I usually bring up these anecdotes that you hear about certain players and their incredible work ethic. Could it be that he is an extraordinary athlete? Yes, he is an incredible athlete, but he also has 40,000 points because he is very skillful and dedicates a lot of effort to developing his physique, his craft, and his game.

James has earned the respect and admiration of both his rivals and teammates in the NBA after he has fulfilled his obligations. The league is witnessing something unique, and it is important not to take it for granted.