One of the most iconic comparisons in basketball history is between LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Both legends have defined eras, reshaped the NBA, and sparked endless debates about who is the greatest of all time. But there’s one moment that stands as a concrete milestone in the comparison: when did LeBron pass Jordan in points?
LeBron’s pursuit of statistical greatness has always been a storyline of intrigue, but it hit a historic mark on March 6, 2019. That’s the night he officially moved ahead of Michael Jordan on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. The moment didn’t just make headlines—it cemented LeBron’s name in a new layer of NBA history and triggered a fresh wave of analysis on how he stacks up against MJ.
This article breaks down the moment, the significance, the game it happened in, and what it means in the larger context of basketball greatness. We’ll answer key WH-style questions, revisit game footage, analyze the stats, and explore the lasting impact of when did LeBron pass Jordan in points—a topic that remains one of the most searched and debated in sports today.
When Did LeBron Pass Jordan in Points?
LeBron James officially passed Michael Jordan on the NBA’s all-time scoring list on March 6, 2019, during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets. He achieved the feat in the second quarter with a driving layup, reaching 32,293 career points and moving into fourth place all-time, surpassing Jordan’s 32,292.
The Historic Night — When Did LeBron Pass Jordan in Points?
On March 6, 2019, basketball fans witnessed a historic moment as LeBron James passed Michael Jordan on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. The Los Angeles Lakers were playing the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center, and LeBron entered the game just 13 points shy of Jordan’s 32,292 career total. The anticipation was intense, with the sports world watching closely as history neared. Midway through the second quarter, LeBron drove to the basket, slicing through defenders, and made a signature layup to score his 13th point of the night—surpassing his childhood idol.
The game was briefly halted to honour the achievement. Fans erupted in applause, teammates showed their support, and LeBron, overwhelmed by emotion, sat on the bench and covered his face with a towel. For someone who had idolized Jordan growing up, the moment was deeply personal and profoundly meaningful.
Although the Lakers ultimately lost 115–99, the spotlight firmly belonged to LeBron. His accomplishment symbolized endurance, consistency, and greatness across decades. The feat was made even more iconic because it happened in a Lakers uniform, connecting him to the legacy of Kobe Bryant, whom he would later surpass. LeBron reached the milestone in 1,190 games, compared to Jordan’s 1,072, reigniting the ongoing debate about greatness—volume versus efficiency.
What Led to This Moment? LeBron’s Road to History
LeBron’s Scoring Style vs. Jordan’s
LeBron James has long been labelled a pass-first superstar, but his scoring abilities tell another story—one of elite consistency and adaptability. Unlike Michael Jordan, whose offensive game was built around an unstoppable mid-range shot and fade away, LeBron’s path to scoring greatness has come through aggressive drives to the basket, high basketball IQ, and an ever-improving outside shot. Over the years, he’s added tools to his offensive arsenal, evolving from a slasher to a complete scorer who can hurt opponents from anywhere on the floor.
Accumulating Points Through Longevity
Another major factor that allowed LeBron to catch and pass Jordan was his extraordinary durability. While Jordan retired twice and took a break to play baseball, LeBron has maintained a relentless pace throughout his 20-plus seasons. His ability to stay healthy, play high minutes, and remain productive into his late 30s has allowed him to build a scoring total few believed possible.
Key Career Milestones
LeBron’s scoring journey began in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers and continued through his title-winning years in Miami and back to Cleveland. Each phase of his career was marked by steady scoring growth. By the time he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, it was no longer a question of if he would pass Jordan—it was only a matter of when.
Scoring Consistency
Perhaps most impressively, LeBron has never had a truly down year in scoring. Even into his 20th season, he’s averaging over 25 points per game. That kind of consistency is what made his climb past Jordan inevitable and historic.
Why Is This Milestone So Important in the GOAT Debate?
LeBron James surpassing Michael Jordan in total career points isn’t just another stat—it’s a pivotal moment in the ongoing Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate. For decades, Jordan has been the benchmark for basketball excellence. When LeBron passed him in points, it ignited new comparisons and reignited old arguments. Here’s why this milestone carries so much weight in the conversation:
- Symbolic Passing of the Torch: Surpassing Jordan in scoring was seen by many as a symbolic moment—an official handoff from one era’s icon to the next. It wasn’t just about stats; it marked a generational shift in greatness.
- Longevity vs. Peak Dominance: The debate intensified around what defines greatness. Jordan fans emphasize his six championships and unmatched dominance in fewer games. Meanwhile, LeBron supporters highlight his endurance, adaptability, and impact across two decades.
- Narrative and Personal Impact: For LeBron, the moment had deep personal meaning. He’s frequently spoken about idolizing Jordan growing up. Passing MJ wasn’t just professional—it was emotional, a full-circle moment in his journey.
- Media Frenzy and Global Attention: The achievement dominated headlines, social media, and sports talk shows. Analysts and fans dissected every angle, from efficiency to context, making it a defining cultural event in sports.
- Legacy Cementing: In today’s analytics-driven NBA, cumulative stats matter. LeBron passing Jordan is now a permanent part of his résumé—something even critics can’t ignore in the GOAT conversation.
When Did LeBron Pass Jordan in Points — and What Happened Next?
LeBron James surpassing Michael Jordan in career points was more than just a milestone—it was a defining moment in his legacy. The achievement didn’t stop with that game; it set the stage for further greatness. After passing Jordan, each subsequent point added to LeBron’s total fueled the ongoing GOAT debate. The event acted as a springboard for him to chase even bigger records, ultimately surpassing Kobe Bryant in 2020 and, in 2023, breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record.
This moment went beyond mere statistics—it forced a reevaluation of LeBron’s career. His ability to maintain excellence year after year, adapt his game, and stay relevant in an evolving league showcased a level of consistency and professionalism that only the greatest can sustain. LeBron’s longevity and all-around impact forced the sports world to rethink what constitutes greatness—emphasizing not just flashy plays but sustained brilliance over a career that spanned two decades. The moment of passing Jordan was just the beginning of an even greater story.
When Did LeBron Pass Jordan in Points and Break Records Beyond?
- Passing Michael Jordan in 2019: LeBron James officially passed Michael Jordan on the NBA’s all-time scoring list on March 6, 2019, during a game against the Denver Nuggets. That moment marked a significant milestone in LeBron’s legendary career, placing him fourth on the list at the time.
- Breaking Kobe Bryant’s Record in 2020: Less than a year later, on January 25, 2020, LeBron moved past Kobe Bryant to claim third place on the all-time scoring list. The milestone was especially symbolic, as it came while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers—Kobe’s longtime team.
- Surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2023: On February 7, 2023, LeBron James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing record of 38,387 points. The record had remained untouched for nearly four decades, underscoring the magnitude of LeBron’s achievement.
- Scoring with Efficiency and Versatility: LeBron’s offensive dominance isn’t only about accumulating points. He boasts a career field goal percentage of over 50%, a rare feat among high-volume scorers, showcasing his remarkable efficiency and versatility on the court.
- All-Around Game: Assists and Rebounds: Unlike most elite scorers, LeBron ranks among the top 10 all-time in career assists and also holds strong rebounding numbers, proving he’s a complete player who contributes in every area of the game.
- Shaping the Next Generation: LeBron’s unique blend of scoring, passing, leadership, and basketball IQ has redefined greatness in the modern era, setting a new blueprint for future NBA superstars.
In Closing
The moment when LeBron passed Jordan in points is more than just a stat line. It’s a marker in sports history, an intersection of legacy, admiration, and statistical excellence. For some, it elevated LeBron in the GOAT conversation. For others, it deepened the complexity of comparing two very different types of greatness. But one thing is clear: on March 6, 2019, LeBron James didn’t just pass Michael Jordan in total points—he added another layer to his enduring basketball legacy.
FAQ’s
Q. When did LeBron pass Jordan in points?
A. LeBron passed Michael Jordan on March 6, 2019, during a regular season game against the Denver Nuggets, marking a historic moment in NBA scoring history.
Q. How many points did LeBron have when he passed Jordan?
A. LeBron reached 32,293 career points, edging past Jordan’s 32,292, and officially claimed the fourth spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list at that moment.
Q. How many games did it take for LeBron to pass Jordan?
A. It took LeBron 1,190 games to pass Jordan, who reached his total in just 1,072 games, highlighting Jordan’s scoring pace and LeBron’s remarkable consistency.
Q. Did LeBron surpass Jordan while playing for the Lakers?
A. Yes, LeBron achieved this milestone during his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, adding another chapter to his legacy with a new franchise.
Q. Who did LeBron pass next after Jordan?
A. After passing Jordan, LeBron moved ahead of Kobe Bryant in 2020 and then Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2023, becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Q. Why is passing Jordan in points significant?
A. This milestone represents LeBron’s incredible durability and elite-level performance across two decades and further strengthens his claim in the GOAT conversation.
