LeBron James Becomes NBA's All-Time Leader in Career Field Goals Made

Lakers star sustains elbow injury in 4th quarter of loss to Nuggets

Mar. 6, 2026 at 5:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, has now become the league's all-time leader in career field goals made. The 41-year-old Lakers star set the record in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. However, James went down with an apparent elbow injury in the fourth quarter, though he was able to return to the game shortly after.

Why it matters

James' latest record-breaking accomplishment cements his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history. At 41 years old and in his 23rd season, James continues to defy Father Time and add to his already impressive list of accolades. The injury scare, though, raises concerns about his long-term health and ability to continue playing at an elite level.

The details

James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's previous record of 15,837 career field goals made. He finished the game with 16 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals, but the Lakers fell to the Nuggets 120-113. Head coach JJ Redick revealed that James had to miss the final few possessions due to discomfort in his elbow.

  • LeBron James set the NBA's all-time career field goals made record in the first quarter on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
  • James went down with an elbow injury in the fourth quarter of the game against the Nuggets on March 6, 2026.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who is in his 23rd season and is the league's all-time leading scorer and now all-time leader in career field goals made.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

A former NBA player who held the previous record for most career field goals made with 15,837.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Denver Nuggets

The opposing team that defeated the Lakers 120-113 on March 6, 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fortunately for the Lakers, he returned mere minutes later. However, head coach JJ Redick revealed he had to miss the game's final few possessions due to discomfort in the elbow.”

— JJ Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

What’s next

The Lakers will provide an update on the severity of LeBron James' elbow injury in the coming days.

The takeaway

LeBron James' latest record-breaking achievement cements his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history. However, the injury scare serves as a reminder that even the all-time greats are not immune to the physical toll of a long, illustrious career.