Shams Charania reckons LeBron James has inched closer to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record faster than expected 

Shams Charania believes even the LA Lakers were unsure of LeBron James' level of play entering year 20 of his career. James, however, has competed fiercely against Father Time once again. The 38-year-old is averaging 29.7 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game across 34 games this season.

Charania lauded James for his performances and for inching closer to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record quicker than expected. Here's what the NBA insider said during an appearance on FanDuel TV:

"Even those around the Lakers didn't exactly know how LeBron would play this season... Going into year 20. Yes, he was going to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at some point this year, I don't know if everyone expected it would be this soon. It seems like it's within the next 10 games or so at the pace that he's at now."

LeBron James is only 315 points away from becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer. Since Anthony Davis sustained a foot injury on December 16th, James has averaged 34.6 points per game, shooting 55.5% from the field across 13 games. During that stretch, he ranks second behind Luka Doncic in scoring in the NBA.

At that average, James could surpass Abdul-Jabbar's record within the next 8-10 games. The historic feat would only add to his legacy and bolster his case as the game's greatest player.

---

LA Lakers' struggles continue despite LeBron James' heroics

LeBron James averaged 30.3 points per game last season, but the Lakers got eliminated from playoff contention. They finished with a 33-49 record, ranking 11th in the Western Conference. James is averaging nearly 30 points this year, and the Lakers are still struggling.

The Lakers are 13th in the West with a 20-24 record. They have been heavily inconsistent in non-LeBron minutes. He has bailed them out on many occasions, including in their most recent game against the league's worst record holders, the Houston Rockets.

James had to produce a season-high 48-point effort to ensure the Lakers didn't blow a chance to close the 10-34 Rockets at home. Houston had found their way back into the game, despite trailing by 17 points at one stage. They trailed by just two points down the stretch, but James saved the day for the Purple and Gold.

The Lakers front office has stayed inactive on the trade front. Multiple reports suggest they are likely to hold on to their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks through the end of the season. This may result in the Lakers failing to make any moves. However, they could be taking a cautious approach with the trade deadline approaching.

It will be interesting to see if they keep their commitment to LeBron James and upgrade their roster around him.