LeBron James Makes LA Lakers History But Still Trails Legendary Kobe Bryant for Record That May Never Be Touched

LeBron James continues to redefine the legacy of greatness in the NBA, and in the process, he has made history with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 2024 season has been another milestone year for LeBron, further cementing his place in the history of the Lakers franchise. However, even as LeBron continues to break records and add to his legendary status, there remains one record that many believe will be impossible for him—or any player in the future—to surpass: Kobe Bryant’s iconic achievement with the Lakers.

LeBron’s career with the Lakers has been nothing short of monumental. Since joining the team in 2018, he has helped lead the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship, earned multiple All-Star appearances, and continued to show that age is no barrier to his level of performance. And yet, despite all of LeBron’s accolades, there is one record that still eludes him: Kobe Bryant’s all-time scoring record for the Lakers.

LeBron James and the Lakers’ Legacy

LeBron James, often considered one of the greatest players in NBA history, has made an indelible mark on the Los Angeles Lakers. His tenure with the team has been filled with triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments. The Lakers are a franchise defined by championship pedigree and legendary figures—Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and of course, Kobe Bryant. LeBron, who had previously led the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat to championships, joined the Lakers in 2018 with the primary goal of winning more titles and extending his own legacy.

By leading the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship in the midst of a global pandemic, LeBron solidified his place among the greats in Lakers lore. However, he wasn’t done. The 2024 season has brought with it another opportunity for LeBron to make history, as he continues to break records and achieve feats that once seemed impossible. In particular, LeBron recently passed yet another significant career milestone: becoming the all-time leader in points scored in the history of the Lakers franchise, surpassing the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson.

While LeBron’s accomplishments in Los Angeles are undeniably impressive, one record from a Lakers legend still stands tall above all others—the remarkable feat set by Kobe Bryant.

Kobe Bryant’s Untouchable Legacy

Kobe Bryant, the “Black Mamba,” is arguably the most iconic player in Lakers history. Throughout his 20-year career, all with the Lakers, Kobe became synonymous with the franchise. His scoring ability, work ethic, and unwavering dedication to the game made him a household name across the world. When it comes to scoring, few players have had the impact that Kobe had during his illustrious career.

One of Kobe Bryant’s most enduring records is his all-time scoring mark for the Lakers. Over the course of his career, Kobe scored an incredible 33,643 points in regular season play, a number that has stood as a symbol of his scoring prowess and longevity. This record, which was set during his time with the Lakers, has not only made Kobe the highest-scoring player in the history of the franchise but has also placed him among the top scorers in NBA history overall.

LeBron James, in his own pursuit of greatness, has closed the gap on many all-time records, including points scored. However, when it comes to surpassing Kobe Bryant’s all-time scoring mark for the Lakers, there remains a significant gap. As of 2024, LeBron is still over 2,000 points shy of catching Bryant’s total, a daunting task given the pace at which LeBron’s career is progressing.

While LeBron is undeniably one of the best to ever play the game, the 33,643 points that Kobe Bryant amassed over his two decades in purple and gold feels like a record that may never be broken. With LeBron approaching the twilight of his own career, it is unlikely that he will have enough time to surpass Kobe’s total, especially considering that the current season may be one of LeBron’s final years in the league.

Why Kobe’s Record Could Be Untouchable

While LeBron James has proven time and again that he can achieve the unthinkable, the record set by Kobe Bryant is one that might be out of reach. There are several factors that contribute to why Kobe’s record could remain untouched:

Longevity in One Place: One of the defining features of Kobe’s career was his incredible longevity with the Lakers. Over his 20 seasons with the team, he amassed points season after season. His dedication to the Lakers franchise was unmatched, and his scoring consistency allowed him to accumulate points year after year. LeBron, despite his extended career, has played for multiple teams (Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers), which has spread out his career and his total points across different franchises. While LeBron is still scoring at an incredible pace, he is unlikely to surpass Kobe’s Lakers-specific record, as he did not spend 20 years in one place.
The Evolving NBA: The game of basketball has changed significantly since Kobe Bryant’s playing days. The pace of play, the emphasis on three-point shooting, and the way players are utilized have all evolved. While LeBron is still a dominant force on the court, the modern NBA tends to focus more on team-oriented play rather than individual scoring. Kobe’s scoring record was built during an era when players were asked to shoulder more of the offensive load, particularly for a team like the Lakers. LeBron’s role, while still significant, is more spread across multiple aspects of the game—passing, defense, and leadership—not just scoring.
The Impact of Injuries and Rest: Kobe Bryant played through injuries and never seemed to back down from the challenge of playing through pain. While LeBron has been remarkably durable throughout his career, modern NBA players are more cautious with injuries, and rest is often prioritized over playing through discomfort. This focus on player longevity and well-being means that LeBron’s scoring opportunities may not match the volume Kobe was able to achieve over his career, particularly in the later stages of LeBron’s career.
The Legacy of Kobe Bryant: Bryant’s impact on the Lakers and the NBA goes beyond just his points scored. His mentality, his “Mamba Mentality,” and his ability to deliver in clutch moments became part of the fabric of Lakers culture. While LeBron is also a leader and has undoubtedly left a significant legacy in Los Angeles, Kobe’s ability to perform consistently in big games contributed to his monumental scoring record.

LeBron’s Record-Breaking Achievements

While LeBron James may never surpass Kobe’s all-time scoring mark for the Lakers, he has still set numerous records of his own in the NBA. He became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in 2023, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career total. This incredible feat alone cements LeBron’s place in basketball history, but his achievements with the Lakers are not to be overshadowed. From helping the Lakers win the 2020 championship to breaking records in points, assists, and more, LeBron has written his own chapter in Lakers lore.

Even though the Lakers’ all-time scoring record may never be touched, LeBron’s legacy will continue to shine brightly in the annals of the franchise’s history. For LeBron, surpassing Kobe’s scoring mark in Los Angeles would have been the ultimate cherry on top of an already extraordinary career, but his journey is far from over, and his impact on the game is immeasurable.

As fans, we are fortunate to witness two of the greatest players in NBA history—LeBron and Kobe—share a franchise. While their paths were at times rivals, their contributions to the Lakers’ history will forever be intertwined, with Kobe’s unbreakable record serving as a symbol of his legendary career in purple and gold.