LeBron James is About to Make NBA History: The Unprecedented Figure He’s Chasing
LeBron James is on the cusp of making more NBA history as he continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. As he enters his 21st season, the 38-year-old forward is already the league’s all-time leading scorer and has multiple accolades to his name, including four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals. But now, LeBron is chasing something truly unprecedented, a historic feat that no player in the history of the NBA has ever accomplished.
The figure LeBron James is chasing is none other than the elusive all-time leader in career assists — a record that, if achieved, would further solidify LeBron’s claim to being the greatest all-around player to ever play the game.
The All-Time Career Assists Record
The current all-time career assists leader in the NBA is John Stockton, the legendary point guard for the Utah Jazz who amassed an incredible 15,806 assists over his 19-season career. Stockton’s record has stood the test of time, and many thought it might never be broken, especially given how difficult it is to accumulate assists consistently throughout an entire career. However, LeBron James has been quietly — or not-so-quietly — climbing the ranks, and with his exceptional basketball IQ, vision, and ability to make his teammates better, it’s now a real possibility that LeBron could surpass Stockton.
Why LeBron is in the Running
For most players, being one of the all-time great scorers would be enough. But LeBron has consistently proven that his game transcends just putting up points. While known for his scoring ability, it’s LeBron’s passing and playmaking that have always stood out as some of his most impressive skills. As he’s evolved through different stages of his career, LeBron has seamlessly adapted from a dominant scorer early in his career to a more well-rounded player who often takes on the role of primary facilitator for his team.
While players like Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, and Larry Bird were more traditionally associated with playmaking and running the offense, LeBron has taken it to another level by excelling in multiple facets of the game. His ability to rack up assists while also being one of the top scorers in the league is a testament to his versatility.
LeBron has long been among the league’s top assist leaders, and his vision on the court is second to none. With his mix of basketball intelligence, size (standing at 6’9”), and passing precision, he’s able to facilitate the offense for his teammates in ways few others can. From high-flying dunks to pinpoint passes in transition, LeBron has done it all, and his ability to continue accumulating assists well into his late 30s is a rare feat for any player, let alone one whose primary role is as a scorer.
How LeBron is Closing in on the Record
As of the 2024 season, LeBron James is nearing 16,000 assists, having accumulated around 15,800 during his illustrious career. While LeBron still trails Stockton by a considerable margin, the pace at which LeBron is amassing assists shows that breaking the all-time record is within his reach. Over the last few seasons, LeBron’s assist numbers have remained impressive, averaging around 7-8 assists per game, even as he takes on a more secondary role as the Lakers’ offense has become more dynamic around him.
LeBron’s longevity has been a huge factor in his quest to break the record. In an era where many players’ careers are shortened by injuries, LeBron has defied Father Time, staying remarkably healthy and durable, enabling him to play at an elite level year after year. His ability to play nearly every game, coupled with his role as the Lakers’ primary ball handler, has allowed him to continue dishing out assists at a steady rate.
Additionally, LeBron’s court vision and passing accuracy have only improved over time. Whether it’s his signature no-look passes, lob assists to teammates like Anthony Davis, or threading the needle through tight defenses, LeBron’s passing continues to be a key element of his game.
The Unprecedented Nature of This Feat
What makes LeBron’s chase of Stockton’s assist record so unique is the fact that he is not a traditional point guard, a role typically associated with accumulating assists. LeBron is a forward — a position not typically expected to rank among the all-time assist leaders. In fact, LeBron is expected to eventually move into the top five in both scoring and assists, an achievement no player has ever reached.
While players like Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson are often cited as the best passers in NBA history, LeBron’s scoring ability combined with his passing efficiency makes him the ultimate all-around player. The mere idea that LeBron could break the assist record, while also holding the career points record, speaks volumes about his basketball greatness. It would be a testament to his multifaceted game and would provide an additional layer to his already extraordinary career.
LeBron is already the only player in NBA history with over 35,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, and 9,000 assists — a combination of statistics that further shows his well-rounded game. Breaking the assists record would add another monumental accomplishment to this already impressive list of achievements.
The Impact on LeBron’s Legacy
Surpassing John Stockton’s career assist record would have a profound impact on LeBron’s legacy in the history of the game. LeBron has long been in the conversation as one of the greatest players of all time, with many comparing him to legends like Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson. But achieving this unprecedented feat would set him apart even more. It would serve as further proof that LeBron’s basketball IQ, versatility, and ability to impact the game in every area are unparalleled.
The question of whether LeBron is the greatest player of all time has been a hotly debated topic for years. His breaking of this assist record could be the tipping point for many who still hesitate to crown him as the best. As he moves closer to accomplishing this monumental feat, it is a reminder that LeBron’s career is a singular, generational achievement. Few players in any era have been able to dominate the game the way LeBron has, and this record would only enhance his already extensive résumé.
What’s Next?
LeBron James’ pursuit of the all-time assists record is far from over, and it’s expected that he will continue his march toward the top of the leaderboard over the next few seasons. The Lakers will undoubtedly rely on LeBron to continue to orchestrate their offense, and with his continued evolution as a player, it’s clear that LeBron will keep creating opportunities for his teammates — and chasing history — for as long as he is able.
While the record itself is an incredible individual achievement, the broader impact of this milestone is even more significant. It serves as a testament to LeBron’s commitment to team basketball, his ability to elevate others around him, and his lasting legacy as a player who excelled in every aspect of the game.
As LeBron continues to break records, set new milestones, and reshape the narrative of what’s possible on the basketball court, fans can only marvel at the incredible journey he’s on. The thought of LeBron James holding the all-time career assists record while also being the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is something no one could have predicted years ago, and it only adds to the legendary status he’s already achieved.
In the end, LeBron’s chase for the assist record is just another chapter in what has been a historic, unparalleled career. Whether or not he surpasses Stockton, LeBron James’ place in the pantheon of NBA greats is already secure. But with every assist, every basket, and every game, LeBron’s legacy continues to grow, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest basketball players the world has ever seen.