LeBron James becomes first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 points

Saturday's feat was James' first significant scoring milestone since passing Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league's all-time leading scorer roughly a year ago. Before that, he became just the seventh player to surpass 30,000 points. 

Now, James stands alone as the first and only player to reach 40,000. 

Needing only nine points against the Nuggets to accomplish the feat, James was a shoo-in to do it on his home floor at Crypto.com Arena. Entering the game, James had recorded eight points or less in a game only nine times in his entire career, and that wasn't going to happen on a night when he could make NBA history. 

It wasn't for the all-time scoring mark or an NBA title, so the moment may not have meant as much to James as other accolades. However, according to James, it's still a moment with its own special meaning. 

“No one has done it. And for me to be in this position at this point and time in my career, I think it’s pretty cool," James said via the NBA. "But is it one of the top things I’ve done in my career? No. Does it mean something? Of course. Why wouldn’t it?”

Reaching 40,000 points is an insane achievement. And despite being 39 years old, James has shown little sign of slowing down his production. He's averaging 25.3 points, 7.9 assists and 7.1 rebounds while still being one of the top players in the league. 

So, it's safe to say this won't be the final on-court celebration in honor of No. 23.