NBA-LeBron James returns to Los Angeles with history in his grasp

FILE PHOTO: Feb 2, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Lakers forward LeBron James returns to Los Angeles on the verge of becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer after wrapping up a five-game road trip in New Orleans on Saturday night.

'King James' now needs just 36 points to pass fellow Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record 38,387 career points after contributing 27 points in the Lakers' 131-126 loss to the Pelicans.