Home Basketball LeBron James’ Unprecedented Achievements in his 21st Season: Breaking Every Record

LeBron James’ Unprecedented Achievements in his 21st Season: Breaking Every Record

Basketball — 04/16/2024

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.© Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

By every metric imaginable, LeBron James had the greatest 21st season by any player in NBA history. On Sunday, the Lakers star wrapped up his campaign with an astonishing stat line of 28 points, 17 assists, 11 rebounds and five steals as his team put away the Pelicans to clinch the eighth seed.

James broke several records as a 39-year-old in the league, and here we summarize his list of feats.

Averaged the most points (25.7) by the oldest player in the league at age 39, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 23.4 PPG in the 1985-86 season. The oldest player in the league has averaged 7.7 points in a season, per NewsNet. James shattered the mold by 18 points. Oldest player ever to shoot over 40 percent from three, surpassing Ray Allen who shot 45 percent from deep as a 36-year-old in the 2011-12 season.First player in history with 25+ PPG, 8+ APG, 50+ FG%, and 40+ 3P% in a single season.

First to average 25 PPG for 20 consecutive seasons (averaged 20.9 as a rookie).Only player in history to surpass 40K career points. Reached the first-time milestone of 40K+ points, 11K+ rebounds and 11K+ assists.Surpassed Michael Jordan for most career 30-point games.Became the youngest and oldest player ever to log 25 points and 15 assists in a game. First player in history to shoot 73 percent at the rim and 41 percent from three.Oldest to lead the league in both 4th quarter FGM (197) and PPG (8.1).

Oh, and lest we forget, James shot better from three than Stephen Curry in his 21st season.

While some may disregard some of these feats as longevity stats, the fact that James became an elite three-point sniper at age 39 is mindboggling. He redefined what the oldest player in the league is capable of.

Want more articles like this? Follow Yardbarker on MSN to see more of our exclusive NBA content.

Statistical milestones in the NBA don’t hit with the same punch. That’s because, other than single-game totals, everything is seen in per-game averages. In the NHL, a player can score, say, 50 goals or have 100 points. In the NFL quarterbacks throw for 5,000 yards and pass rushers pick up 20 sacks. What do we do with the NBA? Well, averaging 30 points per game is a nice round number, and one that has not been hit by many players. In fact, only 36 players in NBA history have done it. There are those players, from the one-timers to the regulars.