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LeBron James Reflects On 50K Record In CCTV Interview

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Quenton S Albertie | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 11:44 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James isn’t just a run-of-the-mill superstar. Of course, that’s an oxymoron in and of itself. Nevertheless, he’s truly a larger-than-life basketball prodigy who’s earned every bit of his respect and acclaim. Even with retirement around the corner for the 40-year-old, he has everyone’s attention.

LeBron James Reflects On 50K Record In CCTV Interview

James isn’t the first NBA player to write an op-ed piece for China’s state-run People’s Daily newspaper after all. Even so, the man that they call “xiǎo huángdì” (translated as “The Little Emperor”) did recently sit down with China Central Television (CCTV). In that relatively brief interview, James discussed the mindset that’s led to him the NBA’s throne. With that in mind, one the four-time NBA MVP’s greatest accomplishments was becoming the first player to score 50,000 career points, playoffs included.

Musing about that moment, he says: “I don’t think it’s about the record. I just think it’s a microcosm of my career, of my hard work and dedication to my craft, and my love for the game.

Lebron on scoring 50K last year and what that meant to him:

“I don’t think it’s about the record, I just think it’s a microcosm of my career, of my hard work and dedication to my craft and my love for the game” pic.twitter.com/FFTXXRBYCR

— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) September 18, 2025

“I put so many hours into trying to be the greatest,” James says, “(sic) the best I always want to become and the best I could become. And that moment is an indication of that — of hard work paying off. So, it’s always pretty cool when you can have those moments that show the work does pay off.”

It’s now been sixth months since the 21-time All-Star notched 50,000 career points in the Lakers victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. A year from now, he’ll have likely added a couple more feathers to his cap. The easiest will be becoming the first person to play in the NBA for 23 seasons. If he can step on the floor at least 50 times in 2025-26, he’ll also become the league’s all-time leader in games played.

He even has a fair chance to move to third in career steals, surpassing Hall of Fame guard and Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.

The King’s Focus

James isn’t one to take his place in NBA history for granted. He has a reverence for those that came before him and a deep respect for his peers. However, it’s possible that none of the aforementioned achievements would mean as much to him as winning his fifth NBA championship.

Oct 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) holds up the MVP and Finals trophies after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In fact, if there was an avenue to him winning back-to-back titles, he would likely strongly consider it. Not only would he be able to tie icon and idol Michael Jordan’s ring count, he’s be able to bring his NBA Finals record to 6-6. With that being said, him having a sub-.500 Finals record is the only eyesore on his resume.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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