42,184 Points After 22 Years — And He Just Revealed Who Could Challenge Him… Not Steph Curry!

LeBron James Identifies Kevin Durant as the NBA Star Most Likely to Break His Scoring Record

In a candid interview with ESPN, NBA legend LeBron James was asked which current player he believes has the potential to surpass his all-time scoring record. Without hesitation, James pointed to his longtime rival, Kevin Durant, highlighting his scoring prowess and versatility as key factors that could propel Durant to the top of the NBA’s scoring leaderboard.

LeBron’s Unprecedented Scoring Feat: 42,184 Points and Counting

In 2023, LeBron James made history by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387 regular-season points, officially becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. This milestone highlighted not only his incredible scoring ability but also his extraordinary longevity in a league known for its physical intensity. Fans and analysts alike recognized this achievement as a defining moment in basketball history.

As of the 2025/26 season, LeBron James has accumulated 42,184 points, continuing to perform at an elite level at 40 years old. His ability to adapt his game, combining perimeter shooting, court vision, and athletic drives, allows him to remain a dominant scorer while many of his peers have retired. Each point reflects his consistency, resilience, and dedication to maintaining peak performance over two decades.

LeBron James’ unprecedented scoring feat is more than just a record—it is a testament to his discipline, skill, and determination. Preparing for his 23rd NBA season, he continues to redefine what it means to be a scoring legend, leaving fans worldwide in awe of a career that may never be matched.

Durant’s Scoring Prowess

Kevin Durant, currently with the Houston Rockets, has been a prolific scorer throughout his career. As of February 2025, he became the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 points, joining an elite group that includes LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain. Durant’s ability to score effortlessly from various spots on the court, including three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and drives to the basket, makes him a formidable offensive force.

Durant’s Scoring Prowess: 30,000 Points and Counting

Kevin Durant, currently playing for the Houston Rockets, has established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. In February 2025, Durant officially became the eighth player in NBA history to reach 30,000 points, joining an elite group that includes LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain. This milestone underscores Durant’s remarkable consistency and ability to score at an elite level across nearly two decades in the league. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and versatility, Durant’s scoring prowess allows him to create points from virtually anywhere on the court, whether through three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, or drives to the basket.

Beyond the numbers, Kevin Durant’s scoring ability is defined by his efficiency, basketball IQ, and adaptability. His height, reach, and skill set make him nearly impossible to defend, while his calm under pressure allows him to excel in clutch moments. From his early days with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder to his time with the Golden State Warriors and now the Houston Rockets, Durant has consistently demonstrated an unmatched capacity to put points on the board. Durant’s scoring prowess not only cements his place among the NBA’s all-time greats but also positions him as a player who could continue climbing the scoring ranks for years to come.

LeBron’s Confidence in Durant’s Potential

When asked about players who could potentially break his scoring record, LeBron James did not hesitate to single out Kevin Durant. He praised Durant’s scoring ability, saying, “KD is the first one that comes to mind. They don’t call him ‘Easy Money’ and ‘Slim Reaper’ for nothing. He scores effortlessly. His ability to shoot the three-pointer, the mid-range shot, and attack the rim. He also shoots 85-90 percent from the free throw line. Those are key elements.“

LeBron James’ confidence in Durant highlights the respect he has for Durant’s consistency, versatility, and sheer efficiency on the court. By emphasizing Durant’s ability to score from all areas—three-pointers, mid-range, drives, and free throws—LeBron underscores why Durant is considered one of the most complete scorers of his generation. This recognition from a player of LeBron’s caliber reinforces Durant’s potential to challenge the all-time scoring record in the years to come.

The Road Ahead for Durant

While Kevin Durant still trails LeBron James by more than 10,000 points, his remarkable scoring consistency and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations highlight why many consider him a serious contender in the race for the all-time scoring record. Durant’s skill set—ranging from three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, to drives at the rim, combined with his free-throw accuracy—ensures that he can continue to put up points efficiently season after season.

With several more seasons ahead in his career, Durant has the opportunity to further solidify his place among the NBA’s elite scorers. His potential to challenge LeBron James’ all-time scoring record depends not only on his talent but also on his durability, consistency, and ability to perform at a high level across different teams and eras. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, as every point Durant scores could bring him one step closer to rewriting NBA history and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest scorers the league has ever seen.

Conclusion

LeBron James’ endorsement of Kevin Durant as a potential successor to his all-time scoring record highlights the immense respect and admiration he has for Durant’s scoring ability. As both legends continue their storied careers, the basketball world will be closely watching every game to see if Durant can challenge LeBron James and potentially surpass his NBA all-time scoring record. This unfolding rivalry not only showcases the incredible talent of two of the game’s greatest scorers but also adds an exciting chapter to NBA history, as fans speculate whether Kevin Durant will one day claim the top spot in all-time points scored.