LeBron James makes me love the game again, says Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | NBA News – Times of India

After LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s NBA scoring document on Wednesday, the latter walked as much as the centre court docket to embrace a fellow legend who had gone previous his document of 38,387 profession regular-season factors throughout LA Lakers‘ recreation in opposition to Oklahoma City in Los Angeles.
The Lakers misplaced 130-133; but it surely could not forestall a second of historical past.
It bought Abdul-Jabbar right down to writing, as he put collectively an essay on his Substack web page in awe of ‘King’ James.
Abdul-Jabbar opened the put up by praising James’ “unbelievable drive, dedication and talent” and likewise lauded his need for successful whereas being a superb teammate.
The Basketball Hall of Fame member then addressed his emotions as James pulled nearer to the document.

“In the months leading up to LeBron breaking my record, so much was written about how I would feel on the day he sank that record-breaking shot that I had to laugh,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote. “I’d already written several times stating exactly how I felt, so there really wasn’t much to speculate about.
“It’s as if I gained a billion {dollars} in a lottery, and 39 years later, somebody gained two billion {dollars}. How would I really feel? Grateful that I gained and joyful that the following particular person additionally gained. His successful on no account impacts my successful.”
Abdul-Jabbar then focused on former teammate Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who said he felt that the former would have a difficult time watching his record go by the boards. Abdul-Jabbar admitted that may have been the case shortly after his retirement, but not anymore.

“But that ain’t me at this time. I’m 75. The solely time I ever consider the document is when somebody brings it up. I retired from the NBA 34 years in the past. For the previous 20 years, I’ve occupied myself with social activism, my writing profession, and my household — particularly my three grandchildren.
“… Sorry, Earvin. I love you, brother, but this time you got it wrong.”
Abdul-Jabbar additionally addressed his relationship with the 38-year-old James … or lack thereof.
“LeBron said we don’t have a relationship. He’s right — and for that I blame myself. Not for anything I did, but perhaps for not making more of an effort to reach out to him,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote.

“By nature I have never been a chummy, reaching-out kind of guy (as the media was always quick to point out). I’m quiet, shy, and am such a devoted homebody that you’d think I have agoraphobia. I like to read, watch TV, listen to jazz. That’s pretty much it. For the past 15 years my focus has been less on forming new relationships than on nurturing my old friendships with people like Magic, Michael Cooper, Jerry West, and so on.”
It ended with James being appreciated as an individual each on and off the sector.
“Bottom line about LeBron and me: LeBron makes me love the game again. And he makes me proud to be part of an ever-widening group of athletes who actively care about their community.”