NBA-LeBron James becomes first player to score 40,000 points

Feb 25, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale (00) during the second quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports/ File Photo

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - LeBron James on Saturday became the first NBA player to score 40,000 career points, hitting a scoop layup off the glass in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers home game against the Denver Nuggets.

James, who entered the game needing nine points to reach the milestone, used a spin move to create separation from Denver's Michael Porter Jr. and put the ball in with his left hand as the all-time scoring leader continues to put his record further out of reach.