United States President Joe Biden has led the outpouring of tributes to LeBron James after the Los Angeles Lakers legend became the NBA's highest scorer of all time.
The 38-year-old needed 36 points in Tuesday's match against the Oklahoma Thunder to break the 39-year-old record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who scored 38,387 points during his career.
Towards the end of the third quarter, James hit a fadeaway jumper to surpass Abdul-Jabbar -who was in attendance at the Crypto.com Arena - and a short ceremony was held on the court before the Lakers fell to a 130-133 defeat.
Following James's record-breaking shot, prominent figures in and outside of sport paid tribute to the highest scorer in NBA history, including President Biden, who hailed the 38-year-old's achievement in a video message.
"LeBron, congratulations. With your whole heart and soul you broke a hell of a record. You elevated the game," Biden said.
.@POTUS congratulated @KingJames on breaking the all-time scoring record. pic.twitter.com/gxxBxXZOUN
— Herbie Ziskend (@HerbieZiskend46) February 8, 2023
"More than that, like Kareem, Bill Russell and others who came before you, you challenged and inspired the nation to be better, do better and live up to our full promise."
Musical legends Drake and Rihanna were also among those to hail James's historic achievement, with the former saying: "LeBron, what a legendary night in NBA history. You're breaking the all-time scoring record."
Meanwhile, Rihanna said: "I am so grateful to witness this moment in history. My favourite thing about being a LeBron James fan is just watching you prove yourself over and over again against all odds and all doubt.
"Thank you for repping for all of us, keep striving for greatness always, and congratulations King James."
Within the sport, Lakers coach Darvin Ham hailed James as a "global icon", telling the press: "It was a blessing and an honour to be able to be a part of it ... I know what Kareem meant to this league. He was one of the pillars who helped build this league.
38,388 POINTS
— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2023
LeBron James hits the fadeaway jumper to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer! #ScoringKing pic.twitter.com/P5LyTZAZn3
"What LeBron has done transcends even basketball, he has become a global icon. All the work he puts in on and off the floor, his businesses, him speaking out on social issues, his leadership.
"He is an example for not just young basketball players but young human beings, domestically and internationally, for how to be a professional, how to have passion, how to be persistent and productive and never to be satisfied."
Former Lakers star Magic Johnson admitted that he thought Abdul-Jabbar's feat would never be surpassed, saying in a video: "I never thought that Kareem's scoring record would be broken by anybody.
"It means more to myself and to our fans because you're wearing that purple and gold and broke it as a Laker. This historic moment is so special because we will never see another LeBron James."
James has achieved his record points haul of 38,390 in 1,410 games, while Abdul-Jabbar took 150 more to hit 38,387, but the Lakers are languishing in 13th place in the Western Conference following their 30th defeat of the season.
Ben Knapton
