TMZSports.com
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was NOT pissed off LeBron James broke his all-time scoring record, despite what many basketball fans have said, according to Cap’s close friend, teammate, and fellow Lakers great James Worthy, who tells TMZ Sports his buddy handled the situation with grace.
Of course, 38-year-old James toppled KAJ’s near-long-held record (nearly 4 decades) … and 75-year-old Abdul-Jabbar was on hand, sitting in the first row, to watch history in the making.
However, many NBA fans commented on Kareem’s demeanor, noting the 19x NBA All-Star looked unhappy to be there.
Kareem watching Bron close in on his record 😅 pic.twitter.com/jRDbcE8sxK
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 8, 2023
@BleacherReport
So, we asked Worthy, a 3x NBA champion who was sitting with Abdul-Jabbar Wednesday night, if Kareem was bothered Bron broke his record.
“Not at all,” James answered, with no hesitation.
“I mean, Kareem was overwhelmed and for those of you who knew Kareem 30 years ago, Kareem has come full circle in life and really is enjoying himself and enjoying just living. I mean, he said that records were meant to be broken. I don’t think he thought anybody would break it but I think Kareem handed it over with grace.”
Amazing moment between Kareem and LeBron 🤝 pic.twitter.com/E2GvUCLy3B
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 8, 2023
@BleacherReport
Now, as for Worthy … he admits, as much as he likes LeBron, that he was a bit bummed to see the record change hands.
“I was a little sad to see the record being broken ’cause I just love Kareem. He’s my best friend on the team. I’m sure somewhere down deep in his heart, he’s had it for so long that it becomes a part of you that you never think it’s gonna leave you. Not to be able to say that again, it’s probably something that he’ll miss, but his body of work will never be forgotten.”
HISTORY.
With this bucket, LeBron James moves past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer! pic.twitter.com/N6V5RxPe6r
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 8, 2023
@NBAonTNT
There’s much more … we also talked to JW about whether the Lakers’ loss overshadows the night, and whether James ranks as one of the very best players in franchise history.
