Can LeBron Catch Kareem?

Last night LeBron James was the youngest player ever to reach 20,000 points. In the prime of his career at only 28-years-old, does LeBron have a chance to catch Kareem? Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar is the all-time leading scorer at a touch over 38,000 points. James entered the league at the tender age of 18 and has been a force since he hit the NBA. Coming into the league with so much hype, becoming the number one pick, people wondered if he could live up to it all? I believe he has answered all those questions. Scoring in every which way, slashing, mid-range, dunking, free throws and three-pointers. While also winning one NBA championship in 2012. He has the total package that no one in the league can stop. So is the day inevitable when James is atop the all-time points list?

You have to think James can play at a high level for the next 6 to 7 years, just like Kobe Bryant is doing now, where he leads the league in scoring at the age of 34. If James can average around 2,000 points a season, that puts him around 14,000, leaving about 4,000 to go. But, this includes a full 82 game season, health and no work stoppage. In a shortened season last year, James still put up 1,683 points, but a couple seasons like that Kareem might not be reachable. In an age now where player unions and owners are not connecting, the NBA CBA deal ends in 2021 but both sides can opt out in 2017.

James has been very lucky and not had any serious injury's, but with the way he plays, it might be inescapable, when his body gets older and starts to wear down. Taking hits night in and night out, leaving James tossing up three pointers, which isn't his specialty.

James hasn't been a fan favorite since his "decision" to leave Cleveland in 2010. But, NBA fans have to admit we are seeing one of the greatest basketball players ever. Not only did he score his 20,000 point last night but he also got his 5,000 assist. We haven't seen a player that can do it all like James since Oscar Robinson. Do I think he will reach Kareem? Yes. But, that has a few conditions, health, which is always a major factor, and work stoppages. If he can average 75 games over the next 9 seasons he is there, which puts him at an elder 37 years of age. He is just to much of a freak to not do it, plus I believe he has a big enough ego that will push him when he gets close, even if he is losing his physical ability.

Check out the video below, which show LeBron reaching the milestone!