LeBron James: President Joe Biden congratulates LA Lakers star for all-time NBA scoring record

‘You challenged and inspired a nation to do better’: President Joe Biden is the latest to congratulate LeBron James on passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time NBA scoring record, and tells him to ‘keep it going’

President Joe Biden has congratulated LeBron James on breaking the NBA’s all-time scoring record, shortly after having wrapped up his own victory speech at the State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

‘LeBron congratulations! With your whole heart and soul, you broke a hallowed record,’ No. 46 said in a personalized message to the LA Lakers superstar after he scored 38 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points. 

‘You elevated the game and more than that like Kareem and Bill Russell and others who came before you. You challenged and inspired a nation to do better, do better and live up to our full promise.

‘So keep it going man. Keep the faith and congratulations to you and your wonderful family – your mom, Gloria, your wife, Savannah, and your beautiful children Bronny, Bryce and Zhuri. God bless you all.’

James relived the immortal moment he put up a 14-foot fadeaway jumper to break the record – his 38th point of the game – after Tuesday night’s contest in the Lakers locker room with 18-year-old son, Bronny. 

Biden told the 38-year-old to 'keep it going' and to 'keep the faith'

President Joe Biden personally congratulated LeBron James on breaking the NBA’s all-time scoring record after his State of the Union address on Tuesday night

James scored his 38,388 point with a 14-foot fadeaway shot with 10.9 seconds left in the third

James scored his 38,388 point with a 14-foot fadeaway shot with 10.9 seconds left in the third 

He was also congratulated by other high-profile names on social media, including NBA legends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson, as well as celebrities who sat courtside to watch the historical moment in person, including Jay-Z and Usher. 

However, courtside footage showed Lakers star forward Anthony Davis unimpressed and sitting down on LA’s bench when ‘The King’ broke Abdul-Jabbar’s record with 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter.

The crowd was in its seats far earlier than normal in Los Angeles, and James got numerous ovations before the Lakers and Thunder got rolling. 

Lakers fans turned out in droves for the chance to see a once-in-a-generation achievement, with tickets going for thousands on the secondary market. 

Inside the building, dozens of celebrities gathered to witness history: Denzel Washington, Bad Bunny, LL Cool J, Andy Garcia and countless others. 

Dozens of basketball greats also turned out, including Lakers heroes James Worthy and Bob McAdoo along with Dwyane Wade. 

The biggest star in the crowd was Abdul-Jabbar, who has verbally sparred with James in public over issues not directly related to basketball. 

The Lakers legend known to all as ‘Cap’ wasn’t about to miss history, and he shared a warm hug with James before ceremonially exchanging a basketball in a simple, touching gesture.

Pres. Biden also congratulated the 'wonderful' James family, who were in attendance last night

Pres. Biden also congratulated the ‘wonderful’ James family, who were in attendance last night

James shook hands with Abdul-Jabbar after breaking his NBA all-time scoring record

James shook hands with Abdul-Jabbar after breaking his NBA all-time scoring record

Although the final score chafed him, James said he’ll never forget this stop on his two-decade journey.

‘This ride has been fantastic,’ James said. 

The four-time NBA champion is currently averaging 30.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game in 36.4 minutes played per game this season.

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