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Sweet 16,000: LeBron James adds to his legend
Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Sweet 16,000: LeBron James adds to his legend with latest career achievement

With only one 20-point performance so far this season, LeBron James has embraced his role with the Philadelphia 76ers and was rewarded by making history on Wednesday night. 

The NBA's all-time leading scorer has excelled as his new team's third or fourth option depending on the night, producing his second double-double of the year. 

LeBron James was efficient when called upon against Detroit 

James scored 13 points while bringing down 10 rebounds and dishing out eight assists in the 76ers' 112-106 win over the Pistons in Detroit. He was efficient, connecting on 5-of-10 shots from the field and 1-of-2 from three-point range.  

But even though Philadelphia doesn't rely on him to carry the scoring load, James continues to make history for his longevity. And that was again the case in Detroit, as he became the charter member of the NBA's 16,000-plus field goals club. 

James reached 16,000 field goals made in the second quarter against the Pistons. Prior to Wednesday, James was one of only two players to ever surpass 15,000 alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 15,837.  

He's now converted 42 field goals through his seven games played in 2026-27. James currently carries averages of 15.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists while shooting 45.7% from the field and only 26.1% from three. 

LeBron James' place as an all-time great is secure 

At 41 and in the midst of his 24th NBA season, James is now playing for his fourth different franchise. And despite the pressure of trying to snap another long title drought — the 76ers' last NBA championship came back in 1983 — James' place as a Mount Rushmore-type legend is already secured. 

A 22-time All-Star, James' career resume includes 13 first-team All-NBA honors, four league MVP awards, four NBA titles and four NBA Finals MVPs. 

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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