Anthony Davis called out after LeBron James breaks ‘unbreakable’ record

While LeBron James made history, one of his closest teammates has raised eyebrows after a bizarre reaction to the enormous feat.

The NBA world has been left in awe of LeBron James’ incredible feat after he made break the previously believed to be “unbreakable” points record held for nearly 39-years by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

It was a monumental moment and one that the NBA revelled in, celebrating the achievement and reigniting the GOAT debate with LeBron’s monumental achievement.

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But while the greater NBA world had its eyes glued to the incredible scene as LeBron hunted down the 36-points he needed for the record, one of LeBron’s greatest allies was bizarrely non-plussed.

Just before the record, LeBron’s partner in crime at the Lakers Anthony Davis had just made it back to the bench, sitting behind the bench who were all standing together.

The Crypto.com Arena erupted when the shot went in but Davis didn't even shape to clap.

Um… what??? pic.twitter.com/ITehJK8rYk

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 8, 2023

Before the match, Davis had been dealing with a foot injury but it was a bizarre scene for a duo who had made such a big deal about playing together in LA back in 2019 and won the 2020 title together.

While there hasn’t been much to write home about in more recent times, LeBron was gushing in his praise for his teammate when the pair sat on the bench during the fourth quarter.

“I love you bro. That’s all, I want you to know,” LeBron said as he clearly soaked the record in.

Anthony Davis has been slammed. Photo: Getty Images and Twitter

It’s what makes the reaction in the moment so bizarre.

Fans were legitimately concerned for the giant star.

Guardian reporter Claire de Lune wrote: “i can’t help but wonder if ad knows something we don’t know about lebron’s plans for the off-season.”

Anthony Davis seemed off during & after the game. Hope he’s doing alright

— Ray Jr (@RaymondLucasJr) February 8, 2023

What did Anthony Davis do tonight besides just stand there

— Rocio de la Fe (ro-cee-oh) (@rociodelafetv) February 8, 2023

The difference between pre-injury Anthony Davis and post-injury Anthony Davis has been so jarring this season.

I think/hope he rediscovers whatever it was that made him so incredible in October and November, but if he doesn't soon, the Lakers are in serious trouble.

— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) February 8, 2023

No-show performance by Anthony Davis in a must-win game.

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 8, 2023

Davis finished the match with 13 points and eight assists, well below his season average of 26.7 points and 11.9 rebounds.

The Lakers ultimately lost 133-130 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, with LeBron’s 38 points and Russell Westbrook’s 27 points leading the way for LA.

He was also did not seem at all interested to be in the press conference.

Asked about LeBron and playing with him, Davis said: “It’s been great.

“He’s played a big part in the team’s success, a big part in my success. A leader in all kinds of ways in all kinds of ways, all kind of facets on and off the floor.

“He’s a great human being, family guy, check all the boxes. Definitely well deserved.

“He’s put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this game and it was an honour to be able to witness it live.”

The next question he was asked how the team can become the team they want to be, he said: “Win games, simple.”

Asked how emotional it was for the team, he said: “I don’t think it was emotional for us”.

LeBron breaks 39-year ‘unbreakable’ record

LeBron James has become the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, hitting a fadeaway to smash a nearly 40-year-old record.

LeBron had been hot on the heels of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 38,387 point record, a mark many believed was unreachable.

Abdul-Jabbar had held the record since April 5, 1984, a remarkable 38 years, 10 months and two days.

Abdul-Jabbar was on hand to pass the record over to LeBron and the pair embraced on court in an impromptu presentation on court.

LeBron has broken the unbreakable record. Photo: Fox Sports

With tears in his eyes and the crowd chanting “MVP”, James was able to say a few words.

“I just want to say thank you to the Laker faithful, you guys are one of a kind.

“To be able to be in the presence of such a legend and great as Kareem, it means so much to me, it’s so humbling. Please give a standing ovation to the captain, please.

“To my beautiful wife, to my daughter, to my two boys, my friends, my boys, my family, my mother, anyone who’s ever been part of this run with me over the past 20+ years, I just want to say thank you so much because I wouldn’t be me without y’all. All y’all help, all y’all passion, all y’all sacrifice helped me get to this point.

“To the NBA, to Adam Silver, to the late great David Stern, I thank you guys so much for allowing me to be a part of something I’ve always dreamed about and I would have never ever in a million years dreamt this better than what it is tonight.

‘F**k man, thank you guys.”

The record was one that the NBA world didn’t believe could be broken, with just seven players in history within 10,000 points of LeBron.

The reaction was swift as fans piled on the praise for the historic moment.

US sports anchor Brandon A. Williams tweeted: “I sincerely hope people take the time to appreciate the greatness of LeBron James. He’s shown no signs of slowing down, leads by example, doesn’t cheat the game and tonight he got his flowers plus the record.”

In the LA Times, columnist Bill Plaschke said the record had settled the GOAT argument and that it was LeBron.

Lebron James just did the unthinkable, he passed Kareem Abdul Jabbar & his 38,387 points to become the NBA’s leading scorer of all time 🐐
But it doesn’t seem like the Lakers will make it to the playoffs 👀#LeBronJames

— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) February 8, 2023

Wilt Chamberlain held the No. 1 spot for 18 years. Kareem had it for 38 years.

Given LeBron could finish with 45,000 points in 25 years. He could be the last scoring leader ever.

— Chris Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) February 8, 2023

James Harden, a 10-time All Star and three-time scoring champ with seasons averaging 36 ppg and 34 ppg, would need to score 2,000 points for the next 7 years to match LeBron's current point total.

— Jared Wade (@Jared_Wade) February 8, 2023

However, despite having broken the record, the Lakers couldn’t get over the line, falling to a 133-130 loss to Aussie Josh Giddey’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

LeBron finished with 38 points for the game, while Russell Westbrook hit 27.

The Thunder had Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 30, Jalen Williams for 25 and Giddey for 20.

Speaking after the game, LeBron said it was “so surreal”.

“It was something I never set out to do, it just happened,” he said.

“Longevity, me able to be out on the floor for three franchises, going to try and be the greatest I can be every night, having great teammates and coaches that allow me to be me.”

He said it hadn’t sunk in just yet.

He also said he could play for “a couple more times”.

“With the way my body has been reacting to me throughout the course of this season, I know I can play a few more seasons,” LeBron said. “It’s all about my mind. If my mind is still into it and I’m still motivated to go out and try to compete for championships, that’s what I can do for any group of guys, any franchise.”

LeBron 16 points from history at halftime

LeBron James is just 16 points from beating Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA record for points and there’s little doubt he wants it tonight.

Despite the Oklahoma City Thunder trying to spoil the party by leading 76-66 at the half, no one will remember the score if James can pass the record tonight.

And there’s no doubt he’s after it tonight, if his custom headphones are anything to go by.

LeBron James wants the record tonight. Photo: Getty Images and Twitter

James has 20 points, two rebounds and two assists for the match so far, just 16 points short of the record of 38,387 held by Abdul-Jabbar since he passed Wilt Chamberlain’s record on April 5, 1984.

Before the match, LeBron was caught talking to his sons and asked: “(Should I) go ahead and get it? Alright, I’ll go and get it.”

That and him practicing Kareem’s trademark Skyhook in the pre-game make us think it’s happening today.

Aussie young gun whacks LeBron

Australian Josh Giddey has smacked LeBron in the face as the legend chases history at Crypto.com Arena.

With LeBron attacking the rim midway through the first quarter off a pass from teammate Russell Westbrook and needing 30 points for the record, Giddey struck James in the face on a layup inside the lane.

Josh Giddey nearly spoiled the night. Photo: Getty Images

With no foul being called on the play, Oklahoma City pushed the ball back up in transition to score off a Giddey floater to cut the Lakers lead to 17-15 with 5:30 left in the quarter.

LeBron caught an elbow to the face from Josh Giddey on a drive to the rim, and spent some time on the bench with a towel to his face, but he'll remain in the game after a time out.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 8, 2023

Josh Giddey is going to need a police escort out of the building.

— My Full Name is Michael Francis Acker (@mikeacker) February 8, 2023

Josh Giddey said it’s clamps for Bron tonight.

Bron came through in all black. In HIS arena.

All-time night already.

— Mitch B (@MitchBTV_) February 8, 2023

LeBron chasing NBA record

Hailing from Akron, Ohio, James was drafted in 2003 as the first overall pick out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, and was named the 2004 NBA Rookie of the Year.

He is one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport, having won four NBA championships, four MVP awards, four Finals MVP awards, three All-Star MVP awards, two Olympic gold medals, being named an All-Star a record 19 times and being selected to the All-NBA Team a record 18 times.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to take the court for a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Last year, he became the first player in NBA history to accumulate over 10,000 career points, rebounds and assists.

James himself is acutely aware of not just the milestone, but its significance.

“I think it’s one of the greatest records in sports in general,” he said.

“It’s one of those records that you just don’t ever see or think that it would be broken.”

Despite the looming enormity of the legacy he is due to create, James said he “just (wants) to win”.

Abdul-Jabbar himself says he looks forward to passing the record on.

“I’ve been carrying the torch as record holder for 38 years,” he said.

“I’m excited and relieved to pass it along to the next worthy recipient.

“LeBron earned it and I hope he carries it even longer than I did.”

The milestone once again raises the ever-present debate of who the greatest player of all time is, but for now, LeBron is contracted through another two years and says he would like to stay in the league until his eldest son, LeBron James Jr, can enter the league.