According to si.com, LeBron James and the Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are linked throughout the 2022-23 season, as James attempts to break the Hall of Famer’s NBA career scoring record. While James was speaking to reporters after the team’s Monday preseason game against the Kings, he made it clear that there isn’t much love between himself and Abdul-Jabbar. When asked if he had any thoughts on the record chase and the pairs relationship James stated, “Nah, no thoughts. And no relationship,” James commented on the situation previously in saying that, “The only time I’ve kind of thought about it is when someone’s been posting on social [media],” James said. “… Every single time I’m in awe of it. To sit here and to know that I’m on the verge of breaking probably the most sought-after record in the NBA, things that people said would probably never be done, I think it’s just super humbling for myself. I think it’s just super cool. Obviously Kareem has had his differences with some of my views and some of the things that I do, but at the end of the day, to be able to be in the same breath as a guy that wore this same uniform. A guy that was a staple of this franchise… I think is just super-duper dope, to just be in that conversation.”
Abdul-Jabbar has also shared his opinion on his view of LeBron in the past saying that, “On occasion I have chided LeBron when I thought he was dropping the ball when it came to supporting the community, But I did so in the spirit of a loving older brother offering guidance, whether wanted or not. So, when I said that he has done some things he should be embarrassed about, that wasn’t a slam or a barb or even a finger wag, it was me recapping some of what I’d said in the past. The Sports Illustrated article was an homage to LeBron for winning the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award for his role in social activism. So, when I think he may be veering from the path that made him win that award, I’ll mention it. I’m a journalist. That’s what I do. But I believe LeBron is strong enough and gracious enough to understand that I have only love for him in my heart.” Even with the pairs strained relationship Abdul-Jabbar said that he would like to see LeBron break his record.
He carried on in saying that, “In the two years since I wrote that, my respect and admiration has only grown for LeBron as I watched him champion worthwhile causes while maintaining his status as an elite athlete. As he closes is on my all-time scoring record, I have been a cheerleader urging him on, happy to pass the mantle to someone so worthy as an athlete and a person.”
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