SAN FRANCISCO — Steve Kerr remembers being on the call for LeBron James’ preseason national TV debut as a rookie in 2003.
James’ talent was blatantly obvious, Kerr recently said, recalling the game from his time as a TNT broadcaster. He remembered how explosive and powerful the then-18-year-old was going up against grown men. But never could Kerr have foreseen the illustrious and lengthy career James would ultimately have.
Nearly 20 years after James was taken No. 1 overall in 2003, the 19-time All-Star on Tuesday reached a milestone once thought to be untouchable.
James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to take the top spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
James entered Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder needing only 36 points to beat Abdul-Jabbar’s league record of 38,387. With the Hall of Famer in attendance, James eclipsed that record in the Lakers’ 133-130 loss to the Thunder.
Kerr gave props to James in the days leading up to his record-setting performance, saying his pursuit up to that point was “pretty amazing.”
“Most of us back then thought the record would never be broken. So to see LeBron do it over the last 20 years is pretty remarkable,” said Kerr, who grew up a Lakers fan and remembered when Abdul-Jabbar set the record in 1989. “Great testament to his ability and his durability. He’s just a machine, he’s healthy and a physical force night after night.
“I also appreciate the fact that he’s for most of his career been more of a point forward than a scoring wing. So it’s ironic that the all-time leading scorer is a guy more known at least for much of his career as a passer so it shows how great he is and how versatile he is.”
Kerr will see James again up close Saturday night when the Lakers visit the Warriors.
