LeBron James Passes Kobe Bryant For Most Points Scored By Player In 15th Season Or Later
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

One of the things that truly made Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant great was how high his level of play remained even in his later years. There was no doubt that Bryant was still a top-five player in the NBA in seasons when his game should have been declining, and now Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James is doing the same.

James is putting forth one of his best campaigns in his 15th year in the league, averaging 27.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 9.1 assists with the rebounds and assists being career-high rates. Along the way he has been making history, unfortunately it has often times come at the expense of Kobe.

Earlier this season James passed Bryant as the youngest player to score 30,000 points and on Tuesday night again moved ahead of the five-time champion for most points scored by a player in his 15th season or later, via ESPN Stats & Info:

It is truly a great accomplishment as very few people are capable of performing at that level so great in their careers. Kobe and LeBron are two of the greatest to ever play the game and numbers like these are proof of that.

It is worth noting, however, that the 15th season of his career was when Bryant tore his Achilles. During that time he was on an absolute tear trying to will the Lakers into the playoffs, dropping 30- and 40-point games regularly.

Had Bryant been able to finish out the season, his total number of points scored undoubtedly would have been much higher.

None of this is to take away from what LeBron has accomplished and, seeing how he has four games remaining this season, it is more than possible that he would have surpassed Kobe’s record regardless. In the end, he deserves congratulations on what he has done, being a dominant force deep into his career.

WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE NEW LAKERSNATION FORUM CLUB

You May Also Like

Lakers Rumors: ‘Several Teams’ Looking At Lou Williams Before Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers have been mentioned numerous times in trade rumors leading up to the trade deadline on Thursday and one name who has been brought up consistently is Lou Williams…

Lakers News: LeBron James Excited About Anthony Davis’ Return But Wants Him To Take ‘As Much Time As He Needs’ To Get Healthy

Somewhat improbably, the Los Angeles Lakers have been able to stay competitive without superstar big man Anthony Davis…

Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy to Help Florida Public Schools

Dwight Howard may be the newest center for the Los Angeles Lakers…

PHOTOS: Nike Kobe 9 High EXT ‘Snakeskin’

[new_royalslider id=”343″] The Nike Kobe 9 High EXT ‘Snakeskin,’ the second off-court…