Answer First
LeBron James passed Michael Jordan as the NBA’s all-time regular-season scoring leader on February 7, 2023, during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The basket came in the first quarter and moved LeBron ahead on the career points list. This milestone reflects cumulative regular-season points only, not playoffs or combined totals. Below is a verified breakdown of the date, context, and what the pass means in official records.
Context: Why the Comparison Arises
Michael Jordan and LeBron James are often compared because both are among the most decorated scorers in NBA history. Jordan held the top spot on the regular-season scoring list for decades. LeBron, who debuted in 2003, steadily accumulated points and eventually moved past Jordan in total regular-season points. The milestone is specific to regular-season scoring and does not include postseason points or combined NBA/ABA totals.
Notable Details and Game Context
The overtake occurred in the first quarter of a routine season game for the Los Angeles Lakers against Oklahoma City. The basket was recorded officially, and league scorekeepers updated the cumulative totals immediately. Media present noted the significance, and the NBA highlighted the moment in its scoring update. LeBron continued playing, adding more points that night, but the crossing point is fixed at the basket that gave him the lead on the career list.
Key Elements of the Night
- Quarter: First
- Period: Early in the game
- Scorer: LeBron James
- Result: Career scoring list record updated in real time
Verified Timeline Table
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Pass | February 7, 2023 | NBA scoring report, official game log |
| Game | Los Angeles Lakers @ Oklahoma City Thunder | Box score |
| Period of Lead Change | d>First quarter | Game narrative, NBA updates |
| Type of List | NBA regular-season career scoring | NBA record rules |
| Points at Pass | Exact points are cumulative totals; the crossing point is defined by list order | NBA official scoring data |
Scope and Definitions
It is important to clarify scope when discussing scoring records. The widely referenced pass refers specifically to NBA regular-season points. It does not include:
- Playoff points
- All-Star Game points
- Points from other professional leagues (e.g., ABA for prior eras)
When analysts say “LeBron passed Jordan,” they are referencing the official NBA regular-season career scoring list maintained by the league.
Common Misconceptions
Some assume the pass happened in person or during a marquee event, but milestones are recorded based on cumulative totals, not ceremonial context. Others confuse regular-season records with playoff or combined lists. The verified date and game are based on the moment the cumulative list crossed, not on narrative prominence or media coverage volume.
Status and Updates
As of the latest verified league data, LeBron remains the NBA’s all-time regular-season scoring leader. No subsequent player has overtaken him, and the crossing date of February 7, 2023, is consistently reflected in official NBA summaries and historical tables.