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LeBron James needed nine assists to surpass Magic Johnson for 6th place in the NBA's all-time assists hierarchy. The four-time MVP accomplished the feat during the LA Lakers’ game versus the Milwaukee Bucks with 8:41 left in the game.
LA were leading 109-108 when James flicked a nifty pass to Anthony Davis. AD, with plenty of space in front of him, calmly composed himself before launching and hitting a three-point shot.
With the assist, “King James” had 10,142 and counting to leapfrog over the legendary Showtime Lakers icon, who has 10,141 in his career. Sitting in fifth place is Mark Jackson with 10,334 while Steve Nash is in fourth place with 10,335.
LeBron James is roughly 193 assists from passing Jackson and tying Nash. He’s averaging 6.3 dimes per game this season, which should put him in fourth place just behind Chris Paul on the all-time assists ladder.
The four-time MVP has built an impeccable resume over 20 years in the NBA. Nobody, not even another great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, has been as good as James has been for so long.
James could end the season as the all-time scoring champ by dethroning Abdul-Jabbar and ranking in the top five in assists. He also sits 10th in the all-time steals department, just 11 shy of overtaking one of the NBA’s best defensive players in Hakeem Olajuwon.
LeBron James’ career achievements in the regular season are staggering and will likely not stop anytime soon. He’s already the owner of most records in the postseason. James is relentlessly strengthening his case for the greatest player ever.
If “King James” brings another championship to the LA Lakers before he plays somewhere or retires, his ranking among Laker legends should significantly improve.
Currently, he’s nowhere near the level of Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Some have even suggested that James is not at par with Pau Gasol, James Worthy and Robert Horry in the pantheon of Laker greats.
LeBron James appreciates the honor of being in the same conversation as Magic Johnson
LeBron James' passing of Magic Johnson for most assists in NBA history holds even more significance for the 18x All-Star. For most of his career, he’s been compared to the “Magic Man” for his exceptional passing ability and leadership.
Here’s what James had to say after eclipsing Johnson’s career assist total:
“It’s very humbling to be linked with any of the greats but it’s even more of a humbling feeling when you’re wearing the same uniform as a guy wore.
"Magic has been everything to this franchise the moment he was drafted. It’s an honor for me to try to carry on his legacy while I play this game.
The LA Lakers playing their best game of the season by beating the Milwaukee Bucks will only add meaning to James’ accomplishment. James was a big part of that as he finished the game with 28 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.
Magic Johnson quickly congratulated the win with this post:
“When it was winning time in the 4th quarter, LeBron James was at his best finishing with 28 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds. Unbelievable!”
Johnson was responsible for bringing James to the Lakers. Their names will forever be intertwined in Laker lore, particularly with James’ latest feat.
