Kobe Bryant to Surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar As Career Scoring Leader?

[no pun intended]

Its plausible. If Kobe averages 21.0 ppg in 75 games in the next 8 years, he will score 38390 career points, breaking Kareem's 38387. What do you guys think? I think this is an underestimation too, as long he stays healthy -_-

[Doranku]

He'll be 40 in 8 years...

[TheLogo]

I think he can do it because of his conditioning.

We saw Kobe play in the post last season, before the injuries, and he was straight beasting.

[mayo'sgrizz]

damn idk bout this one tht will be a lot to ask for 8 more yrs. 8 more yrs on those knees is a lot. 82 game season plus playoffs damn idk. id be stunned if he did it.

[no pun intended]

He'll be 40 in 8 years...
Well I did say average 21.0 ppg in that 8 year span. That doesnt mean he will average that when hes forty.

[no pun intended]

damn idk bout this one tht will be a lot to ask for 8 more yrs. 8 more yrs on those knees is a lot. 82 game season plus playoffs damn idk. id be stunned if he did it.
Thats why I said 75 game average, concerning any possible failure in health.

[New York Knicks]

Not gonna happen.

[All Net]

Depends how motivated he is and if his body can take it.

[Apocalyptic0n3]

What did Kareem, Malone, Jordan, Shaq, etc. average in the last 8 years of their career (ignoring the fact that Shaq is still playing, obviously)?

[sbw19]

Certainly doable but unlikely.

[Showtime]

What did Kareem, Malone, Jordan, Shaq, etc. average in the last 8 years of their career (ignoring the fact that Shaq is still playing, obviously)?
One thing to note: MJ took prime years off. He could have very well had the all time most points if he didn't.

Anyway, that's a lot to ask from Kobe. It's not just being 40, but the miles. He's been in the league quite a while.

But it doesn't matter anyway, since Lebron will overtake his scoring total as long as he stays healthy. Durant has a shot at that as well.

[AirJordan&Magic]

One thing to note: MJ took prime years off. He could have very well had the all time most points if he didn't.

Anyway, that's a lot to ask from Kobe. It's not just being 40, but the miles. He's been in the league quite a while.

But it doesn't matter anyway, since Lebron will overtake his scoring total as long as he stays healthy. Durant has a shot at that as well.

It's not a certainty that LeBron will overtake Kobe's scoring totals at this point.

He has to share the scoring load with Wade and Bosh now.

[DuMa]

Why shoot for only 8 more years. play til you're 50, Kobe.

[sbw19]

But it doesn't matter anyway, since Lebron will overtake his scoring total as long as he stays healthy. Durant has a shot at that as well.
Durant I can see breaking the record, but LeBron playing alongside Wade and Bosh for 6 seasons and relying too much on athleticism to score? Improbable.

[N0Skillz]

He doesn't have to average 21 points a season. If he can Average 30 these next few years he doesn't have to play so hard

[TheLogo]

One thing to note: MJ took prime years off. He could have very well had the all time most points if he didn't.

Anyway, that's a lot to ask from Kobe. It's not just being 40, but the miles. He's been in the league quite a while.

But it doesn't matter anyway, since Lebron will overtake his scoring total as long as he stays healthy. Durant has a shot at that as well.

Lebron will certainly not overtake Kobe because he chose to leave and join Batman and Robin, as Batgirl.

He will not have to shoulder the load and score.

[griffmoney2084]

the real key is that lebron james was the only guy who had a chance of bumping kobe after kobe got to kareems 38,000+

but since hes with miami now i dont think he will get there. hes gonna average like 20/8/8 now

[FashionIssues]

hell nah:lol

[B-Low]

No way in hell Kobe plays another 8 years. That'd make him like a 22 year vet. His body's already starting to wear down...I'll give him 4-5 more years, and that's just cuz he's got that ultra-competitive fire in him. If it was anyone else but Kobe in the same physical condition I'd give them 2-3 years.

[DatDudeD]

No way in hell Kobe plays another 8 years. That'd make him like a 22 year vet. His body's already starting to wear down...I'll give him 4-5 more years, and that's just cuz he's got that ultra-competitive fire in him. If it was anyone else but Kobe in the same physical condition I'd give them 2-3 years.

i agree, i see him playing at a high level for about 3 or 4 more years. 8 is a little much honestly that is a lot of wear and tear on him. Its funny remember when allen iverson was a scoring machine killing it every night with 30 or 40 points, he was the best scorer in the game. I am sure he had a huge lead on kobe as far as 30 or 40 point games lietrally in about 3 seasons kobe pretty much caught him 05-08 and surpassed him as the best scorer in the game.

[Nash]

I hope he doesn't play until he's 40. I hope he respects himself and doesn't play at that time cause he deserves to end up on a high instead of looking like a washed up player out there, would be sad to see.

[B-Low]

I hope he doesn't play until he's 40. I hope he respects himself and doesn't play at that time cause he deserves to end up on a high instead of looking like a washed up player out there, would be sad to see.

Shaq and Iverson are confused by your logic. Stop...playing? Respect? End on a high? What is this language you are speaking?

[N0Skillz]

the real key is that lebron james was the only guy who had a chance of bumping kobe after kobe got to kareems 38,000+

but since hes with miami now i dont think he will get there. hes gonna average like 20/8/8 now


your forgetting Durant

[griffmoney2084]

your forgetting Durant

doubt he'l last as long as kobe

[Soundwave]

I still think LeBron has a decent shot at it.

Wade is a few years older, as he gets to age 32/33/34, LeBron will likely have to shoulder more and more of the scoring load in Miami.

[blacknapalm]

kareem was scoring boatloads until the age of 40. at the age of 40, he averaged 14.6. this is insane people! you gotta factor in that he was almost injury free. karl malone is 2nd all-time in points and at the age of 40, he averaged 13.2 points.

this record is just not gonna break for a long time. it's just not happening. 4 seasons scoring 30 or more+. 5 seasons scoring 28+. 10 seasons scoring 25+. 17 seasons scoring 20+.

as far as malone's scoring....one season scoring 30+. 4 seasons scoring 28+. 13 seasons scoring 25+ (this is where KM's scoring consistency showed up). 16 seasons scoring 20+. i don't see this happening any time soon.

kareem has rare longevity on his side. he was a scorer from his high school and college days. dump it into the post, let kareem score or pass out of it. all day. let kobe get close to even KM before we discuss kareem. even 10.4 points over 74 games in kareem's final season is 774 points. longevity has a lot to do with it.

lebron is also a long shot considering the team he went too. at times, he'll even be the 3rd scoring option. rarely, but it's still there. KD has a nice arc going. if he stays healthy, he has a good shot at it but we're getting way ahead of ourselves here. he's a great scorer. i like how he's using his length inside and using the glass to get easy buckets more and more. he's already an above average shooter. still, his weakness is being a playmaker. i think he improves there and i don't see him scoring 30+ more than a few times. i always see him being a great scorer but it's hard to match up to kareem or KM. just look at the math. wrap your head around this. kobe has to average 24+ until the age of 41, basically injury free. possible? sure. likely? not at all. somewhat likely? still don't like the odds.

really, just get a paypal account. i'll buy a rake and take your money.

[Flamboyant]

Of course it is a "big IF", but if Kobe stays healthy, I can easily see him being a 25+ppg scorer for each of the next 5 seasons. If things go his way he can end up averaging 28ppg for the next five years combined, while playing 80 games: which means he'll end up with 37000 by then. Kobe actually has a decent shot at 40000+. His game doesn't rely much on athleticism, and he has an unmatched work ethic. The odds are still against him though. Staying injury-free, is not a given, plus his minutes are taking a dip, but if someone will do it, it'll probably be Kobe.

[0000000]

Well, I can see him averaging under 25 ppg in the next 4 years. Who knows what the future will bring but like I said, he will probably average over 25 ppg in the next 4 years. Or something along those lines. Then if he averages say 17 ppg for the 4 years after that, he can break the record. Crazy to talk 8 years in advance but it's possible, why not. 8 years is a long time...8 years ago Kobe and Shaq have just won their 2nd ring together...that was a LOOONG time ago.

[mayo'sgrizz]

Thats why I said 75 game average, concerning any possible failure in health.

true. im not gonna question him he has overcame injuries time after time. he could do this and tht be incredible

[G-Funk]

I wouldn't want him to. It would be better for his legacy if he ends his career on a all time high. Maybe after he gets his 7th.

[whatever666]

Its not impossible if like you say he stays that durable until he is 40.... highly unlikely, but not impossible.

The only player today who has a real chanse at it is Lebron.... he is on the best pace in NBA history, he has scored more total points at the age of 25 than anybody has at 25... youngest to every scoring milestone. Kobe never had such a pace.... Lebron came in to the NBA at 18 with a big bang.. hence the historic pace.

He got 15.251 points now and is 25... Lets say he plays until he is 38...

If he plays until he is 38 and his career average is 26 ppg and has played around 75-82 games a season he will have around 43000 points....

If he plays until he is 38 and his career average is 25 ppg and has played around 75-82 games a season he will have around 41000 points....

If he plays until he is 38 and his career average is 24 ppg and has played around 75-82 games a season he will have around 39000 points....

Heck... you could guarantee Lebron will do it, unless he has a career ending injury or simply an injury which lets him play but at a bad performance a la Grant Hill / Penny Hardaway...

[Showtime]

It's not a certainty that LeBron will overtake Kobe's scoring totals at this point.

He has to share the scoring load with Wade and Bosh now.
There's no reason to assume Lebron won't be able to score 27 PPG. Let's also take into account that defenses aren't going to be stacking against just him, but also have to worry about the drive of Wade and the threat of Bosh, leaving more opportunities for any of the Big 3. Also, I don't think they will all only be on the court at the same time, which means that two at a time or just one may be on the court running the unit. And then there's injuries. Wade has dealt with them, and if he goes down, Lebron will have to take up the slack. There's no reason to think he can't still be a top scorer in this league. Why people think they all will get equal touches is beyond me. Lebron and Wade will dominate, and Bosh will be a tertiary thought at best.

[whatever666]

There's no reason to assume Lebron won't be able to score at least 27 PPG. Let's also take into account that defenses aren't going to be stacking against just him, but also have to worry about the drive of Wade and the threat of Bosh, leaving more opportunities for any of the Big 3. Also, I don't think they will all only be on the court at the same time, which means that two at a time or just one may be on the court running the unit. And then there's injuries. Wade has dealt with them, and if he goes down, Lebron will have to take up the slack. There's no reason to think he can't still be a top scorer in this league.

He doesnt have to average at least 27 ppg.... all he has to do is keep his career PPG at at least 24 ppg and play at least 75 games a season until he is 38 and Kareems record will be gone.... His career PPG is ~28 ppg right now... so he is safe... to take it down to 24 ppg he will have to have a couple of season where he averages only 10-20 ppg..... which is highly unlikely, especially at this moment...

Like i said, Lebron is on the best pace in NBA history when speaking of total points, he has 5000 point advantage over Kareem at the age of 25..... he can slow down his PPG, but not to much, to much as in 10-20 ppg... which he wont...

[wang4three]

At this point, I wouldn't put it past Kobe to play at an above average to high level of basketball for the next 8 years.

[jlauber]

One can only wonder how many more points Kareem could have scored had he skipped college. He was probably already among the best centers in the world by his sophomore season.

[necya]

why do this thread with kobe?
only durant and lbj are on the way to break this record. kobe has played his first 2 seasons on the bench, then average 20 and 22pts.
in all case, it wil take a long time, make this thread in 8 years

[Bring-Your-Js]

One can only wonder how many more points Kareem could have scored had he skipped college. He was probably already among the best centers in the world by his sophomore season.

Jlauber, I'm quite familiar with your intelligent posts and usually agree with you, including here actually. However, it also made me think that if Kobe were to actually break the record, that would be the excuse and the primary way of diminishing it. Rather pathetic?

[Droid101]

Not to sound stupid (too late, right?), but do playoff points count in this record? Because Kobe will be playing closer to 100 games a year, if so.

[triangleoffense]

Does the career scoring points total have regular season games or both regular season and post-season? If it's the latter then I think he has an outside shit. The dropoff for guards is a lot sooner than it is for big men as well.

[boozehound]

Im sure its been pointed out, but does the OP really think a 40 yr old Kobe will be scoring 21 a night for 75 games?

Clearly he wont catch KAJ unless he averages 40+ for the next 4 years. Kobe wont be playing past about 36 or 37.

[boozehound]

At this point, I wouldn't put it past Kobe to play at an above average to high level of basketball for the next 8 years.
you are nuts.

[Bring-Your-Js]

why do this thread with kobe?
only durant and lbj are on the way to break this record. kobe has played his first 2 seasons on the bench, then average 20 and 22pts.
in all case, it wil take a long time, make this thread in 8 years

Well, let's see. Kobe is the closest to doing it and is still an elite player after 14 seasons in the game (12 as a starter). Has Lebron or Durant shown the same durability? If the answer is "we don't know yet", my response is: Exactly.

[Se]

He doesn't have to average 21 points a season. If he can Average 30 these next few years he doesn't have to play so hard

Same thing I was thinking.

If he can average 25ppg for the next 4 seasons that means he only needs to average 17ppg for the following 4.

[Bring-Your-Js]

Does the career scoring points total have regular season games or both regular season and post-season? If it's the latter then I think he has an outside shit. The dropoff for guards is a lot sooner than it is for big men as well.

Separate records. Playoff Points record is falling in less than two years if he keeps putting up 600+ in the playoffs.

[boozehound]

[QUOTE=Se

[whatever666]

Most points in NBA history at the age of 25...

1. Lebron James - 15251 pts
2. Carmelo Anthony - 12711 pts
3. Tracy McGrady - 12423 pts
4. Kobe Bryant - 12215 pts
5. Michael Jordan - 11263 pts
6. Shaquille Oneal - 11054 pts
7. Moses Malone - 10770 pts
8. Kareem Abdul Jabbar - 10071 pts
9. George Gervin - 10014 pts
10. Wilt Chamberlain - 9769 pts

As you can see, there is a huge gap between Lebron and everybody else. He can afford to slow down dramatically with his scoring and still end up breakin Kareems record...

All he will need to do is get 1700 points per season (~20 ppg) until he is 38 years old... and Kareems record will still be gone... but thats exaggarating cosnidering we all know Lebron is gona average more than 20 ppg from here on out..... he is on pace of ending up with up to 50000 points, but ofcourse he will slow down... none the less, Lebron will 100% break Kareems record, unless someone shoots him.

[KenneBell]

I doubt that he's going to play another 8 seasons. He's got 4-5 left before he hangs them up IMO. Enjoy it while it lasts.

[Se]

If he plays until he is 38 and his career average is 24 ppg and has played around 75-82 games a season he will have around 39000 points....

Heck... you could guarantee Lebron will do it, unless he has a career ending injury or simply an injury which lets him play but at a bad performance a la Grant Hill / Penny Hardaway...

Not as a 2nd banana. He's averaging 24 ppg game at best behind Wade, and he isn't as skilled as Kobe meaning when he declines athletically, he won't have a game of skill to rely on.

[boozehound]

[QUOTE=Se

[Showtime]

[QUOTE=Se

[necya]

Well, let's see. Kobe is the closest to doing it and is still an elite player after 14 seasons in the game (12 as a starter). Has Lebron or Durant shown the same durability? If the answer is "we don't know yet", my response is: Exactly.

no, am i the only one who think that kobe won't break it since a while? (cause to his first 3years?
i bet durant will finish second

[whatever666]

[QUOTE=Se

[Se]

You still dont get it do you?

EVEN 24 ppg will be more than enough for him to get 40000 points!!!

Take a look =

24 ppg in 75-82 games = 1800 - 1968 points per season....

1800-1968 + 13 seasons (Lebron is then 38) = 23400 - 25584 points.....

23400-25584 + Lebrons current 15251 pts = 38651 - 40835 points...

Even with your logic... Lebron still ends up with up to 41000 points!!!

:confusedshrug:

You're assuming LeBron will be as healthy as Karl Malone. It's very rare for a player to go their entire career without missing significant time. Especially a player that plays such a physical game.

[Se]

He's not a #2.
He's not "behind" anybody.


This remains to be seen. I'll change my opinion after the season if LeBron wins the Finals MVP over Wade. It's going to be interesting to see who'll be the scoring leader.

[whatever666]

[QUOTE=Se

[KenneBell]

[QUOTE=Se

[Bring-Your-Js]

[QUOTE=Se

[whatever666]

I dont wanna sound like a Lebron homer, but this is just the truth guys....

The only way of Lebron NOT becoming #1 on the all time scoring list would be if he averages like under 19 ppg from now and until his retirement.... or ofcourse if he retires very early.... or if he simply plays but is not healthy at all... a la Grant Hill / Penny or T-Mac or something.

[Se]

I cant see the future! I dont know if Lebron will have a career ending injury or will have a career decreasing injury!

All we have is these FACTS.... and they say that Lebron:

1. Is on the best scoring pace in NBA history
2. Will 100% guaranteed shatter Kareems record

I agree with your analysis. But the three big variables for me are:

1. Role with the Heat
2. Chance of injuries
3. Skill development as speed/ athleticism disappears

[necya]

at 30, LBJ will have more points than a bryant at 32

[The_Yearning]

Most points in NBA history at the age of 25...

1. Lebron James - 15251 pts
2. Carmelo Anthony - 12711 pts
3. Tracy McGrady - 12423 pts
4. Kobe Bryant - 12215 pts
5. Michael Jordan - 11263 pts
6. Shaquille Oneal - 11054 pts
7. Moses Malone - 10770 pts
8. Kareem Abdul Jabbar - 10071 pts
9. George Gervin - 10014 pts
10. Wilt Chamberlain - 9769 pts

As you can see, there is a huge gap between Lebron and everybody else. He can afford to slow down dramatically with his scoring and still end up breakin Kareems record...

All he will need to do is get 1700 points per season (~20 ppg) until he is 38 years old... and Kareems record will still be gone... but thats exaggarating cosnidering we all know Lebron is gona average more than 20 ppg from here on out..... he is on pace of ending up with up to 50000 points, but ofcourse he will slow down... none the less, Lebron will 100% break Kareems record, unless someone shoots him.

First of all, about 80% of LeTravel points come from his athleticism. So as he gets older, it will only dwindle. That is one of the reasons he joined T-Rex and D-Whistle, to prolong his longevity but at the cost of his beloved ball pounding stats and to hopefully beat Kobe for his first ring. (Not happening until Kobe retires at least)

Plus, with the way that LeBrick plays, he has been very blessed and fortunate to have not sustained any type of alarming injury whatsoever. But with his style of play, his attitude off the court (karma) etc, he is bound to get hit somewhere down the line. I don't see this guy having a postgame at all in his career.

I don't see LBJ averaging 30+ at the age of 30 like the Black Mamba. He is in his prime now.

[whatever666]

[QUOTE=Se

[necya]

First of all, about 80% of LeTravel points come from his athleticism. So as he gets older, it will only dwindle. That is one of the reasons he joined T-Rex and D-Whistle, to prolong his longevity but at the cost of his beloved ball pounding stats and to hopefully beat Kobe for his first ring. (Not happening until Kobe retires at least)

Plus, with the way that LeBrick plays, he has been very blessed and fortunate to have not sustained any type of alarming injury whatsoever. But with his style of play, his attitude off the court (karma) etc, he is bound to get hit somewhere down the line. I don't see this guy having a postgame at all in his career.

I don't see LBJ averaging 30+ at the age of 30 like the Black Mamba. He is in his prime now.

physiologically, humans are at their best at 28, then the best of career athletes is from 27 to 32.
then, if lebron score 80% of his pts from his athletism, you are way off to be a truthteller, just someone who doesn't like lbj...

[Se]

Role with the Heat is whats at highest risk right now for stopping him reach that record, because there are talks of him playing PG very much..... so his numbers might go Magic Johnson style instead, like 20-7-10 instead of 30-7-7.... which can stop him from reaching that scoring record if he does play this role until retirement.

There's also a chance of a lockout next year.

I forgot to mention, nice work on the stats and math. :cheers:

[The_Yearning]

physiologically, humans are at their best at 28, then the best of career athletes is from 27 to 32.
then, if lebron score 80% of his pts from his athletism, you are way off to be a truthteller, just someone who doesn't like lbj...

At 28, who in the top 5 all-time leader in scoring did not have a post game?

[whatever666]

First of all, about 80% of LeTravel points come from his athleticism. So as he gets older, it will only dwindle.

:no:

A a ah... lets not try that one...

With your logic... athleticism = ultimately makes you a fantastic scorer?

With your logic... Lebron has 0% skill, all he does is use that athleticism to jump over 5 defenders and dunk it all the time?

So lets get this straight.... Lebron has SKILLS, but just so might happen to be a fantastic athlete that uses his athleticism to complement his skills.... just like Jordan, just like Kobe and Wade today....

For example, Lebron at 6

[Disaprine]

I think only Kevin Durant has a chance to break Kareem's record.

One can only wonder how many more points Kareem could have scored had he skipped college. He was probably already among the best centers in the world by his sophomore season.
+1

[indiefan24]

[QUOTE=Se

[Se]

I think only Kevin Durant has a chance to break Kareem's record.


He's an injury waiting to happen. Too skinny.

[Disaprine]

[QUOTE=Se

[Se]

probably, but he has the best chance of breaking Kareem's record.

LeBron would have been the best bet if he didn't go to the Heat. Kobe would have been a better bet if Eddie Jones wasn't a Laker.

[Droid101]

[QUOTE=Se

[Se]

Crazy that Kobe is in the conversation to break a regular-season career stat when he might have to face TWO lockouts in his career.

That's true, I didn't even think about that.

[DKLaker]

My money is on Kobe to get the record.....here is how it WILL happen:

Needs 12,600

3 years x 27ppg x 80 games = 6480

3 years x 22ppg x 75 games = 4950

This would leave him at 38 years old needing only 1170 points

Very very easy to do that in 2 years, or only 1 year at 16+ppg for 70 games.

He wants it, he will get it.

[PowerGlove]

Will Kobe Bryant Surpass KAJ as the Career Scoring Leader?

^That should have been your thread title.

My opinion? No, I dont see it happening. At all.

[Se]

Needs 12,600

3 years x 27ppg x 80 games = 6480

3 years x 22ppg x 75 games = 4950

This would leave him at 38 years old needing only 1170 points

Very very easy to do that in 2 years, or only 1 year at 16+ppg for 70 games.



You're leaving no room for injury. He has averaged 72.9 games per season so far. So as he ages, he's going to play in more games per season?

[jstern]

I've always assumed that Kobe would break that record, since he had the advantage of coming out of HS. It all depends on how his body holds up. It will be difficult.

Just had a vision of Kobe breaking the record by 1 or 2 points in his final game, and KAJ coming back at his age for 1 game, just to put up some shots just to get a bucket or 2.

[boozehound]

My money is on Kobe to get the record.....here is how it WILL happen:

Needs 12,600

3 years x 27ppg x 80 games = 6480

3 years x 22ppg x 75 games = 4950

This would leave him at 38 years old needing only 1170 points

Very very easy to do that in 2 years, or only 1 year at 16+ppg for 70 games.

He wants it, he will get it.
so, over the next 3 years, he has to average more points than his career average to this point (which includes several years over 30 ppg)? OK, its his for taking if he wants it huh? He just might not want it?

[Se]

Just had a vision of Kobe breaking the record by 1 or 2 points in his final game, and KAJ coming back at his age for 1 game, just to put up some shots just to get a bucket or 2.

Hilarious, they'd have a back and forth, constantly coming out of retirement.

[Ikill]

Most points in NBA history at the age of 25...

1. Lebron James - 15251 pts
2. Carmelo Anthony - 12711 pts
3. Tracy McGrady - 12423 pts
4. Kobe Bryant - 12215 pts
5. Michael Jordan - 11263 pts
6. Shaquille Oneal - 11054 pts
7. Moses Malone - 10770 pts
8. Kareem Abdul Jabbar - 10071 pts
9. George Gervin - 10014 pts
10. Wilt Chamberlain - 9769 pts

As you can see, there is a huge gap between Lebron and everybody else. He can afford to slow down dramatically with his scoring and still end up breakin Kareems record...

All he will need to do is get 1700 points per season (~20 ppg) until he is 38 years old... and Kareems record will still be gone... but thats exaggarating cosnidering we all know Lebron is gona average more than 20 ppg from here on out..... he is on pace of ending up with up to 50000 points, but ofcourse he will slow down... none the less, Lebron will 100% break Kareems record, unless someone shoots him.
but can he play until he is 38

[necya]

My money is on Kobe to get the record.....here is how it WILL happen:

Needs 12,600

3 years x 27ppg x 80 games = 6480

3 years x 22ppg x 75 games = 4950

This would leave him at 38 years old needing only 1170 points

Very very easy to do that in 2 years, or only 1 year at 16+ppg for 70 games.

He wants it, he will get it.

you want to be ridiculous, you get it

[jstern]

[QUOTE=Se

[Svendiggity]

That would so funny. Actually the idea of older stars coming back for 1 game would be so like refreshing, a break from the same old life. Of course they wouldn't be able to really compete, at all, not just old age, but rust, but would be like a nice fantasy thing.

I heard the Warriors offered Wilt a big contract when he was around 50 years old.

[Se]

That would so funny. Actually the idea of older stars coming back for 1 game would be so like refreshing, a break from the same old life. Of course they wouldn't be able to really compete, at all, not just old age, but rust, but would be like a nice fantasy thing.

If Kareem set up for 10 sky hooks, he'd get at least one.

[Se]

I heard the Warriors offered Wilt a big contract when he was around 50 years old.

It was the Nets. Here it is:
[QUOTE=wiki]Even far beyond his playing days, Chamberlain was a very fit person. In his mid-forties, he was able to humble rookie Magic Johnson in practice,[97] and even in the 1980s, he flirted with making a comeback in the NBA. In the 1980

[jlauber]

Jlauber, I'm quite familiar with your intelligent posts and usually agree with you, including here actually. However, it also made me think that if Kobe were to actually break the record, that would be the excuse and the primary way of diminishing it. Rather pathetic?

I would tend to agree, although it would be completely unfair to Kobe. We can speculate all we want about the "what if's." Someone mentioned that MJ basically missed two full seasons in the middle of his career. Who is to say, though, that by taking the time off, that it EXTENDED his career?

Same with my comment on Kareem jumping right to the NBA out of HS. There would have been quite a bit of difference in playing 30 games per season in college (and in many he was on the bench early in the second half), and playing potentially 100 games per season, and against the likes of Russell, Wilt, Thurmond, and Reed, over the course of those four years he spent in college.

IF Kobe breaks the all-time scoring record, he will have deserved the record.

[Pointguard]

Longevity and top ten scoring in the league tends to favor bigger guys. The muscular build (Malone, Wilt, Shaq Moses, Oscar, Dominique) and then the tall wiry (Kareem, Wilt, Hayes, Akeem). Jordan would be the deviation. So Lebron should be safe there. Of the bigger guys only Oscar would be remotely close to Lebron in skill. Plus Lebron has a lot of resources to go back on as he ages. He can buff up to Malone's size. He can shoot as good as most on the list already. He has great basketball instincts. He is more versatile in his ability to change positions than any on the list - meaning he can age into another position or use the advantages of knowing all the other positions. He is more agile than all cept Jordan.

In two years, just as Lebron hits his prime, there is no way that Lebron isn't the scoring leader on the team. Wade will be adjusting his game to not having his first step advantage the same way he had it before, and he is going to avoid the bump and grind.

KD is unknown territory. While I see him passing Lebron to a couple of milestones I don't see him pass Lebron in the bigger numbers (30,000+ points). His body favors George Gervin whose game fell off big time at 31 years old and he wasn't doing all the extra stuff and a whole lot of post season. Plus he plays a bigger position and gets fouled a lot. But I definitely give him more time than Gervin.

[JayGuevara]

He doesn't have to average 21 points a season. If he can Average 30 these next few years he doesn't have to play so hard

How many players have averaged 30+ at 30+?

AI had 33 a game at 30 years old (and was over 30 again in the few games with Philly the next year, and for a while that year weren't he and Melo the number 1 and number 2 scorers in the league?)
Jordan had 30.4 at 32 years old (and 29.6 at 33)

And those are literally the only two people I can think of off the top of my head that have done so.

Kareem and Karl Malone both had seasons of 25+ in their mid-30's, but they weren't really close to 30 points per game.

While Kobe could have possibly/probably joined AI and Jordan, it likely would've been the past two years, or maybe this year, but it hasn't been necessary. I can't see him puttin up 30 a game at 34+ though.

[Se]

How many players have averaged 30+ at 30+?

Michael Jordan - 30.4 ppg - 1995-96
Rick Barry - 30.6ppg -1974-75
Allen Iverson - 33.0 ppg - 2005-06
Jerry West - 31.2 ppg - 1969-70

There were numerous players I found that had scored 30 ppg + at 29, but there seemed to be a big drop off at 30.


P.S. Bernard King 28.4 ppg as a 34 year old. That's pretty impressive. :rockon:

I just went through the guys over 30ppg on this list:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/pts_per_g_season.html

[DKLaker]

so, over the next 3 years, he has to average more points than his career average to this point (which includes several years over 30 ppg)? OK, its his for taking if he wants it huh? He just might not want it?

His career average?.......do you watch basketball? tell me about kobe's first 5 years........bench for 2 and 2nd fiddle to Shaq......throw out those career average stats dude!!!

Kobe may not want it?????? That is insane......obviously you know nothing about Kobe.

I was very fair about my figures......3 years at 27ppg that is a certainty
I actually think the following 3 years he'll be at 25ppg not the 22ppg I listed.....I was just trying to make this as fair as possible.
Kobe barring a crippling injury or losing a season will get the all-time record and at least 1 more championship making him the G.O.A.T

[Bring-Your-Js]

why are people upset kobe could actually accomplish this? Don't get ******l now. It's one of the greatest records in professional sports. If kobe has the skill, work ethic and determination to do it, then respect it. Period. Bloody period.

Pathetic.

[knightfall88]

His career average?.......do you watch basketball? tell me about kobe's first 5 years........bench for 2 and 2nd fiddle to Shaq......throw out those career average stats dude!!!

Kobe may not want it?????? That is insane......obviously you know nothing about Kobe.

I was very fair about my figures......3 years at 27ppg that is a certainty
I actually think the following 3 years he'll be at 25ppg not the 22ppg I listed.....I was just trying to make this as fair as possible.
Kobe barring a crippling injury or losing a season will get the all-time record and at least 1 more championship making him the G.O.A.T

I really believe Kobe doesn't want it. Kobe can win season MVP and scoring title every year if he wanted to. But the fact is - he always saves himself for the championship in the post season. Kobe can get the record but he won't try.

[Bring-Your-Js]

I really believe Kobe doesn't want it. Kobe can win season MVP and scoring title every year if he wanted to. But the fact is - he always saves himself for the championship in the post season. Kobe can get the record but he won't try.

He may get it by default. He has stated he wants to play until 40... Injury and decline could make him think otherwise.

When kobe is no longer doubled or the focal point of defenses, we'll know he's fallen off. And i mean seriously.. Not 30+ ppg to his latest 27-28 with better teammates.

[YAWN]

no chance. Kobe has 4 seasons of 25ppg in him at most, which would put him at about 33k in 3rd place just ahead of michael jordan. He will likely retire at 36 near the top. Can't see him being a role player or ring chasing like the big shamrock.

Oh and to whoever said lebrons going to play til hes 38 :lol
and then to say he will average 25 every season til then :oldlol:

[All Net]

no chance. Kobe has 4 seasons of 25ppg in him at most, which would put him at about 33k in 3rd place just ahead of michael jordan. He will likely retire at 36 near the top. Can't see him being a role player or ring chasing like the big shamrock.

Oh and to whoever said lebrons going to play til hes 38 :lol
and then to say he will average 25 every season til then :oldlol:

I dunno, Kobe has always said he would play til he is around 40. Wouldn't surprise me. Even at age 38-39 he will be a threat on the floor. Just depends how many rings he has by then and how motivated he still is.

[boozehound]

why are people upset kobe could actually accomplish this? Don't get ******l now. It's one of the greatest records in professional sports. If kobe has the skill, work ethic and determination to do it, then respect it. Period. Bloody period.

Pathetic.
havent seen anyone "upset" by it. Just pointing out that its not really realistic.

[Bring-Your-Js]

havent seen anyone "upset" by it. Just pointing out that its not really realistic.

Boozehound, you're right. I was actually a little drunk when I posted that to be honest :facepalm

At the same time, i don't think it's completely inaccurate because in a similar thread people were up in arms over the possibility of him passing jordan's point total and coming sideways about how it doesn't matter. nothing the guy does seems to have any value to some people. And i mean as a standalone, individual-type accomplishment. It just reeks of insecurity when it shouldn't exist.

[beermonsteroo]

No he won't even catch Malone.

[beermonsteroo]

First of all, about 80% of LeTravel points come from his athleticism. So as he gets older, it will only dwindle. That is one of the reasons he joined T-Rex and D-Whistle, to prolong his longevity but at the cost of his beloved ball pounding stats and to hopefully beat Kobe for his first ring. (Not happening until Kobe retires at least)

Plus, with the way that LeBrick plays, he has been very blessed and fortunate to have not sustained any type of alarming injury whatsoever. But with his style of play, his attitude off the court (karma) etc, he is bound to get hit somewhere down the line. I don't see this guy having a postgame at all in his career.

I don't see LBJ averaging 30+ at the age of 30 like the Black Mamba. He is in his prime now.

Bryant never avareged 30+ at age 30. What are you talkin about?

[boozehound]

Boozehound, you're right. I was actually a little drunk when I posted that to be honest :facepalm

At the same time, i don't think it's completely inaccurate because in a similar thread people were up in arms over the possibility of him passing jordan's point total and coming sideways about how it doesn't matter. nothing the guy does seems to have any value to some people. And i mean as a standalone, individual-type accomplishment. It just reeks of insecurity when it shouldn't exist.
yeah, there are clearly large camps of fanbois and haters for KB and nothing will sway either group. WHile I am frequently lumped with the haters (I admit I dont care for his personality/demeanor while respecting his game), he is clearly one of the top sg to ever play in the nba.

[LA_Showtime]

No way. He's going to be 40 years old in 8 years. The wheels will have fallen off by then. Kobe's great, but he can't beat father time.

[Allstar24]

I don't think he can touch KAJ but he'll surpass Jordan and that's good enough for me.

[Bring-Your-Js]

yeah, there are clearly large camps of fanbois and haters for KB and nothing will sway either group. WHile I am frequently lumped with the haters (I admit I dont care for his personality/demeanor while respecting his game), he is clearly one of the top sg to ever play in the nba.

that's all it is. :applause:

[beermonsteroo]

I don't think he can touch KAJ but he'll surpass Jordan and that's good enough for me.

Poor Boy you

[boozehound]

I don't think he can touch KAJ but he'll surpass Jordan and that's good enough for me.
why is this such an obsession with the fanbois? Why cant they just enjoy KB the player and not care about the comparisons. SO childish.

[DKLaker]

I really believe Kobe doesn't want it. Kobe can win season MVP and scoring title every year if he wanted to. But the fact is - he always saves himself for the championship in the post season. Kobe can get the record but he won't try.

It's one thing to say he won't get it......that is arguable........but to say he doesn't want it is just plain dumb, obviously anyone who says that doesn't know crap about the person that Kobe is and what drives him. The only thing he wants more than championships is to be recognized as the G.O.A.T.........he knows that to do that he would probably have to pass Jordan in titles AND pass Kareem in points.....if he does that then who could argue him being the GOAT? This is why he's said he'll play til 40.

[LA_Showtime]

why is this such an obsession with the fanbois? Why cant they just enjoy KB the player and not care about the comparisons. SO childish.

I can't wait for that day. ISH will be unbearable.

[jstern]

It's one thing to say he won't get it......that is arguable........but to say he doesn't want it is just plain dumb, obviously anyone who says that doesn't know crap about the person that Kobe is and what drives him. The only thing he wants more than championships is to be recognized as the G.O.A.T.........he knows that to do that he would probably have to pass Jordan in titles AND pass Kareem in points.....if he does that then who could argue him being the GOAT? This is why he's said he'll play til 40.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjvW5-sGin4

[Allstar24]

why is this such an obsession with the fanbois? Why cant they just enjoy KB the player and not care about the comparisons. SO childish.Any kid who gets butthurt just because I said Kobe will surpass Jordan on the scoring list is the childish one. I didn't say Kobe is better than MJ or make any such comparisons so where is the "obsession" in that? Do you morons just say things that make sense in your head?

[killuminati187]

considering the differnce in the defense being played on them which game against the knicks showcases more skill



kobe s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDTbcBYOmXI

or jordans http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcy_x5IKgEo

[JohnnySic]

http://purpleandblues.com/files/2015/02/karl-malone-kareem-abdul-jabbar-nba-all-star-game-skills-contests.jpg
"Kobe came close, but he didn't catch us"

[Im Still Ballin]

http://purpleandblues.com/files/2015/02/karl-malone-kareem-abdul-jabbar-nba-all-star-game-skills-contests.jpg
"Kobe came close, but he didn't catch us"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS_yK1a91FA

[Mr Feeny]

It's one thing to say he won't get it......that is arguable........but to say he doesn't want it is just plain dumb, obviously anyone who says that doesn't know crap about the person that Kobe is and what drives him. The only thing he wants more than championships is to be recognized as the G.O.A.T.........he knows that to do that he would probably have to pass Jordan in titles AND pass Kareem in points.....if he does that then who could argue him being the GOAT? This is why he's said he'll play til 40.

Passing Jordan in titles? :roll: This nicca hasn't been able to get past the 2nd round you made that post. He spent 2 consecutive seasons getting annihilated 4-0 and 4-1 in the second round and hasn't been seen in the playoffs since:oldlol:

[Mr Feeny]

I dunno, Kobe has always said he would play til he is around 40. Wouldn't surprise me. Even at age 38-39 he will be a threat on the floor. Just depends how many rings he has by then and how motivated he still is.

So much fail here, I don't know where to start :lebronamazed:

[I know you are]

Its plausible. If Kobe averages 21.0 ppg in 75 games in the next 8 years, he will score 38390 career points, breaking Kareem's 38387. What do you guys think? I think this is an underestimation too, as long he stays healthy -_-
:roll:

[Springsteen]

So much fail here, I don't know where to start :lebronamazed:

If he didn't get the achilles injury, it was defenitely possible. What are you trying to prove here?

[Mr Feeny]

If he didn't get the achilles injury, it was defenitely possible. What are you trying to prove here?

Achillies or no Achillies, he wasn't getting another ring or even getting out of the he 2nd round.
As far Kobe still being a threat, that turned out to be a stupid prediction. Everyone gets injured and tough break for Kobe. Dominique had the same injury at a time without the medical advancements of today and came back to immediately average 30.

Kobe, for better or for worse, has just put out perhaps the worst season in nba history. Given his usage rate, shot total, and inefficiency, I don't think there's ever been or ever will be a more season in which anyone will play as badly as Kobe did.

If you don't think that statement was laughable, credit to you. I think it was. In fact, most of realgm was laughing at the obnoxious Kobe stans who were guaranteeing 7 or 8 rings.

[stalkerforlife]

Had the NBA/Stern not illegally vetoed the Paul trade, Kobe would've broken the record.

He ended his career trying to carry a bunch of soft ass quitters.

[Mr Feeny]

Had the NBA/Stern not illegally vetoed the Paul trade, Kobe would've broken the record.

He ended his career trying to carry a bunch of soft ass quitters.

Too bad.only 33 thousand points in 2 decades. You'd expect more :lebronamazed:

Not impressed:no:

[warriorfan]

No hyperbole but Kobe would of fairly easily broke the scoring record if it wasn't for his Achilles

Still the number one scoring guard of all time. Didn't need to get bird fed by one of the greatest point guards of all time nor stat pad in the 70's where no one played defense and half the players were coming down off cocaine.

[Mr Feeny]

No hyperbole but Kobe would of fairly easily broke the scoring record if it wasn't for his Achilles

Still the number one scoring guard of all time. Didn't need to get bird fed by one of the greatest point guards of all time nor stat pad in the 70's where no one played defense and half the players were coming down off cocaine.

Too bad. Only 33 k in twenty years. You'd expect more :lebronamazed:

[warriorfan]

Too bad. Only 33 k in twenty years. You'd expect more :lebronamazed:

0 bitches fucced in 20 years for you

Only thing is we didn't expect more

[TheImmortal]

0 bitches fucced in 20 years for you

Only thing is we didn't expect more
Slapped!

[Stringer Bell]

0 bitches fucced in 20 years for you

Only thing is we didn't expect more

LOL


No hyperbole but Kobe would of fairly easily broke the scoring record if it wasn't for his Achilles

Still the number one scoring guard of all time. Didn't need to get bird fed by one of the greatest point guards of all time nor stat pad in the 70's where no one played defense and half the players were coming down off cocaine.

I still think it would have been difficult after all that wear-and-tear of his long career. Another injury probably would have came up if not for the Achilles heel.

He had 31,617 after 17 seasons. He'd need 6,772 to tie Kareem. Playing 80 games per season, that's 28.2 PPG for 3 seasons, or 21.2 for 4 seasons.

[riseagainst]

0 bitches fucced in 20 years for you

Only thing is we didn't expect more


:roll:
:roll:
:roll:
:roll:
:roll:
:roll:

mr feeny nowhere to be seen

[Uncle Drew]

0 bitches fucced in 20 years for you

Only thing is we didn't expect more
lol

[SwayDizzle]

0 bitches fucced in 20 years for you

Only thing is we didn't expect more
ouch

[sd3035]

0 bitches fucced in 20 years for you

Only thing is we didn't expect more

:roll:

[Mr Feeny]

Y'al making fun of my sex life now:coleman:
I furked atleast 3.

[Kblaze8855]

No hyperbole but Kobe would of fairly easily broke the scoring record if it wasn't for his Achilles

Still the number one scoring guard of all time. Didn't need to get bird fed by one of the greatest point guards of all time nor stat pad in the 70's where no one played defense and half the players were coming down off cocaine.


Tell us more about how Nate Thurmond, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Walton, Wes Unseld, Willis Reed, Dave Cowens and so on didnt play defense.

Team PPG and individual defense are not the same thing. And even if it were by the mid to late 70s a lot of the teams in question were similar to today. The warriors in 76 game up 1 less PPG than they do now and opponents shot 44%.

The blazers were between 102 and 106ppg in Waltons somewhat healthy years. 104ppg today. And in 3 of the 4 70s years opponents shot worse vs them than they did this year.

The Celtics when Kareem was competing for titles against them gave up 103ppg over 4 years. The Celtics this year? 103ppg. 44% shooting for both.

THe Lakers have given up 107, 105, and 109 the last 3 years. It was 111, 109, 103, 108, 107, and 104 in Kareems early career. And Kareem was in his 12th season before a Laker team allowed opponents to shoot as well from the field as they did this year.

Not that its that simple really. The 3 pointer has thrown everything off. And the pace was higher. But really...Kareem often got more looks vs the slower teams because the pace was high due to guards running. The grind it out teams let Kareem get more into the offense. Many of these games are online. You can watch them....not that I expect you to.

Kareem played teams that gave up 95 or 92ppg. held teams to the low 40s in shooting. And even those that didnt often had good individual defenders to throw at him...in waves. The way scoring is going up the 2010s will look more like the late 70s than any other time. The 60s and 80s had some of the truly "Wtf...." defensive teams. The 70s were closer to normal.

Besides Kareem was still dropping 45+ on mid 90s DPOY centers when he was 38. And doing it on 75% shooting. 60s centers couldnt guard him, nor could 70s, or 80s, or 90s. He lit up several who played into the 2000s as well. And a few from the 1950s. Kareem lit up players from 6 decades.

The only two players who seemed to even slow him were Nate thurmond and Wilt who he had to shoot a lot against for his numbers. He worked a lot harder to give Nate Thurmond 34 than he did to give Hakeem 46. And he was in his prime vs Nate. Nate held him to 23 a game on 40% shooting in a series when he was a 35ppg player. But when hes damn near washed up he still gave Hakeem 27 on 50% in 86.

Kareem didnt score so much because he played in the 70s. In his prime in the 80s he may have scored even more. He no doubt would have in the 60s. And in the 90s centers were still force fed the ball. He scored so much because only 2 people in his life could even bother him and he played till 42.

Thats it.

Thats the reason. He was 42 in his final games. He had 24/13 in the second to last game of his career. And he was 42. Playing the toughest team in the NBA.

Kareem would have been reliable for a key basket at 45 unless Nate Thurmond checked in to stop it.

[Mr Feeny]

Tell us more about how Nate Thurmond, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Walton, Wes Unseld, Willis Reed, Dave Cowens and so on didnt play defense.

Team PPG and individual defense are not the same thing. And even if it were by the mid to late 70s a lot of the teams in question were similar to today. The warriors in 76 game up 1 less PPG than they do now and opponents shot 44%.

The blazers were between 102 and 106ppg in Waltons somewhat healthy years. 104ppg today. And in 3 of the 4 70s years opponents shot worse vs them than they did this year.

The Celtics when Kareem was competing for titles against them gave up 103ppg over 4 years. The Celtics this year? 103ppg. 44% shooting for both.

Kareem played teams that gave up 95 or 92ppg. held teams to the low 40s in shooting. And even those that didnt often had good individual defenders to throw at him...in waves. The way scoring is going up the 2010s will look more like the late 70s than any other time. The 60s and 80s had some of the truly "Wtf...." defensive teams. The 70s were closer to normal.

Kareem was still dropping 45+ on mid 90s DPOY centers when he was 38. And doing it on 75% shooting. 60s centers couldnt guard him, nor could 70s, or 80s, or 90s. He lit up several who played into the 2000s as well. And a few from the 1950s. Kareem lit up players from 6 decades.

The only two players who seemed to even slow him were Nate thurmond and Wilt who he had to shoot a lot against for his numbers. He worked a lot harder to give Nate Thurmond 34 than he did to give Hakeem 46. And he was in his prime vs Nate. Nate held him to 23 a game on 40% shooting in a series when he was a 35ppg player. But when hes damn near washed up he still gave Hakeem 27 on 50% in 86.

Kareem didnt score so much because he played in the 70s. In his prime in the 80s he may have scored even more. He no doubt would have in the 60s. And in the 90s centers were still force fed the ball. He scored so much because only 2 people in his life could even bother him and he played till 42.

Thats it.

Thats the reason. He was 42 in his final games. He had 24/13 in the second to last game of his career. And he was 42. Playing the toughest team in the NBA.

Kareem would have been reliable for a key basket at 45 unless Nate Thurmond checked in to stop it.

Nate devoured him though. Routinely.

[Kblaze8855]

Nate Thurmond had a plate of everyone. He may be the best man to man defensive bigman ever.

[feyki]

Nate Thurmond had a plate of everyone. He may be the best man to man defensive bigman ever.

Not may , definitely .

Peak Kareem played with only 22 points a game against him . And with around %45 TS .

[stalkerforlife]

0 bitches fucced in 20 years for you

Only thing is we didn't expect more

:eek:

[warriorfan]

Tell us more about how Nate Thurmond, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Walton, Wes Unseld, Willis Reed, Dave Cowens and so on didnt play defense.

Team PPG and individual defense are not the same thing. And even if it were by the mid to late 70s a lot of the teams in question were similar to today. The warriors in 76 game up 1 less PPG than they do now and opponents shot 44%.

The blazers were between 102 and 106ppg in Waltons somewhat healthy years. 104ppg today. And in 3 of the 4 70s years opponents shot worse vs them than they did this year.

The Celtics when Kareem was competing for titles against them gave up 103ppg over 4 years. The Celtics this year? 103ppg. 44% shooting for both.

THe Lakers have given up 107, 105, and 109 the last 3 years. It was 111, 109, 103, 108, 107, and 104 in Kareems early career. And Kareem was in his 12th season before a Laker team allowed opponents to shoot as well from the field as they did this year.

Not that its that simple really. The 3 pointer has thrown everything off. And the pace was higher. But really...Kareem often got more looks vs the slower teams because the pace was high due to guards running. The grind it out teams let Kareem get more into the offense. Many of these games are online. You can watch them....not that I expect you to.

Kareem played teams that gave up 95 or 92ppg. held teams to the low 40s in shooting. And even those that didnt often had good individual defenders to throw at him...in waves. The way scoring is going up the 2010s will look more like the late 70s than any other time. The 60s and 80s had some of the truly "Wtf...." defensive teams. The 70s were closer to normal.

Besides Kareem was still dropping 45+ on mid 90s DPOY centers when he was 38. And doing it on 75% shooting. 60s centers couldnt guard him, nor could 70s, or 80s, or 90s. He lit up several who played into the 2000s as well. And a few from the 1950s. Kareem lit up players from 6 decades.

The only two players who seemed to even slow him were Nate thurmond and Wilt who he had to shoot a lot against for his numbers. He worked a lot harder to give Nate Thurmond 34 than he did to give Hakeem 46. And he was in his prime vs Nate. Nate held him to 23 a game on 40% shooting in a series when he was a 35ppg player. But when hes damn near washed up he still gave Hakeem 27 on 50% in 86.

Kareem didnt score so much because he played in the 70s. In his prime in the 80s he may have scored even more. He no doubt would have in the 60s. And in the 90s centers were still force fed the ball. He scored so much because only 2 people in his life could even bother him and he played till 42.

Thats it.

Thats the reason. He was 42 in his final games. He had 24/13 in the second to last game of his career. And he was 42. Playing the toughest team in the NBA.

Kareem would have been reliable for a key basket at 45 unless Nate Thurmond checked in to stop it.

Good post and I would agree Nate Thurmond is the best post defender in the history of the league but I am still not sold on the overall strength of the league

Nate, older Wilt, and Walton for the very few season he was able to stay together would be very tough match ups. Unseld is another underrated man defender but KAJ's height and range was too much for him. And for every one of those good guys you had your share of Tom Boerwinkles, Zaid Abdul-Azizs, and Otto Mores.

Pre merger 70's NBA had depth issues and drug issues with their players. The period was less competitive than others in my opinion.

And with Kareem playing with teams allowing under 100 points, that is good but I believe it also has to do with no 3 point line and talent being split between ABA and NBA rather than reflecting the nature of supposedly suffocating defenses of the era.

[LAZERUSS]

Good post and I would agree Nate Thurmond is the best post defender in the history of the league but I am still not sold on the overall strength of the league

Nate, older Wilt, and Walton for the very few season he was able to stay together would be very tough match ups. Unseld is another underrated man defender but KAJ's height and range was too much for him. And for every one of those good guys you had your share of Tom Boerwinkles, Zaid Abdul-Azizs, and Otto Mores.

Pre merger 70's NBA had depth issues and drug issues with their players. The period was less competitive than others in my opinion.

And with Kareem playing with teams allowing under 100 points, that is good but I believe it also has to do with no 3 point line and talent being split between ABA and NBA rather than reflecting the nature of supposedly suffocating defenses of the era.

Most of the ABA stars had bolted back to the NBA long before the merger. Aside from Dr. J, Gilmore, David Thompson, and Dan Issel, there were very few true stars left by the time the ABA crumbled. Players like Cunningham, Barry, Hawkins, Haywood, and Scott...all played briefly in the ABA, and then rejoined the NBA long before the merger.

As for the "Boerwinkles"...

Boerwinkle was a full 7-0 and around 275. He STILL holds the Bulls single game rebounding record of 37 rebounds in a game. Take a look at his TRB%'s, as well. He also used to give KAJ fits, including outplaying him in the game that the Bulls snapped Milwaukee's then record 20 straight wins. And finally, he was also an outstanding passer. He had a couple of seasons, in part-time minutes, of 4.8 and even 5.0 apg. To be honest, he was a taller Joakim Noah.

Bet you never heard of Neal Walk, either. Like Boerwinkle, he was among the average centers of his era, but still, in the early 70's, he had a 20-12 season.

Bob Rule? A very promising career cut short by injuries. In his '70 season he averaged a 25-10. And he was on his way to an even greater year in '71 when injuries ruined his career.... a 30-12 season.

And then your list didn't mention Bob McAdoo, who had a season of 34.5 ppg, in a league that averaged 102.6 ppg. In fact, he had three straight 30+ ppg seasons, and some explosive post-seasons, as well. He went 2nd, 1st, 2nd in the MVP balloting in those three years, but he really deserved it in '76. BTW, he routinely outscored KAJ in their H2H's, and in fact, dumped a 45 point game on him...which included 17 straight made shots.

How about Elvin Hayes? HOF career at both center and PF. Led the league in scoring in rookie season.

Bob Lanier? 6-11 HOFer who was a dominant player into the 80's.

Dave Cowens? The red-head used to just run his opposing centers into the ground. Outhustled all of them. Gave Wilt fits in Chamberlain's last season, as well. In fact, you could argue that he, and a peak KAJ, were the only centers who were better than a Wilt at the twilight of his career. Cowens also outplayed a peak KAJ in game seven of the '74 Finals, and effectively ended Kareem's once-thought dynasty run. KAJ would never come close to a title again, until Magic arrived in '80.

You did mention Thurmond, but how about two other dominant centers from the 60's, HOFers Willis Reed and Walt Bellamy. Both still stars until the mid-70's.

There were other's, as well. Sidney Wicks was a PF, but he could play center. And while you probably have not heard of him, he absolutely crushed Gilmore in their NCAA Finals match in '70. Outrebounded the all-time college career rpg leader, and blocked five of his shots, while holding Artis to a 9-29 shooting game.

The point was, the NBA had 17 teams in the early 70's, and nearly all of them had talented players, especially centers. When the ABA and NBA merged, Gilmore, and Walton's under-study at UCLA, Swen Nater, joined the elite NBA centers, as well. Oh, the most dominant center from the late 70's into the mid-80's...Moses "the Kareem Killer" Malone...who routinely trashed KAJ.

And many of them were dominant in the 80's, as well. By now everyone here knows that an old Kareem just waxed Hakeem in their career H2H's (as well as Ewing.) But in their first 10 straight H2H's, Gilmore slaughtered Hakeem, as well,...averaging 24 ppg on ...get this... a .677 FG%.

In any case, I would argue that the centers of the early 70's were even greater than those of the 90's. It was a longer list, in a league with less teams.

[I know you are]

Had the NBA/Stern not illegally vetoed the Paul trade, Kobe would've broken the record.

He ended his career trying to carry a bunch of soft ass quitters.
Meh, maybe Kobe shouldn't have ran the stars he did have out of town.

[dankok8]

Most of the ABA stars had bolted back to the NBA long before the merger. Aside from Dr. J, Gilmore, David Thompson, and Dan Issel, there were very few true stars left by the time the ABA crumbled. Players like Cunningham, Barry, Hawkins, Haywood, and Scott...all played briefly in the ABA, and then rejoined the NBA long before the merger.

As for the "Boerwinkles"...

Boerwinkle was a full 7-0 and around 275. He STILL holds the Bulls single game rebounding record of 37 rebounds in a game. Take a look at his TRB%'s, as well. He also used to give KAJ fits, including outplaying him in the game that the Bulls snapped Milwaukee's then record 20 straight wins. And finally, he was also an outstanding passer. He had a couple of seasons, in part-time minutes, of 4.8 and even 5.0 apg. To be honest, he was a taller Joakim Noah.

Bet you never heard of Neal Walk, either. Like Boerwinkle, he was among the average centers of his era, but still, in the early 70's, he had a 20-12 season.

Bob Rule? A very promising career cut short by injuries. In his '70 season he averaged a 25-10. And he was on his way to an even greater year in '71 when injuries ruined his career.... a 30-12 season.

And then your list didn't mention Bob McAdoo, who had a season of 34.5 ppg, in a league that averaged 102.6 ppg. In fact, he had three straight 30+ ppg seasons, and some explosive post-seasons, as well. He went 2nd, 1st, 2nd in the MVP balloting in those three years, but he really deserved it in '76. BTW, he routinely outscored KAJ in their H2H's, and in fact, dumped a 45 point game on him...which included 17 straight made shots.

How about Elvin Hayes? HOF career at both center and PF. Led the league in scoring in rookie season.

Bob Lanier? 6-11 HOFer who was a dominant player into the 80's.

Dave Cowens? The red-head used to just run his opposing centers into the ground. Outhustled all of them. Gave Wilt fits in Chamberlain's last season, as well. In fact, you could argue that he, and a peak KAJ, were the only centers who were better than a Wilt at the twilight of his career. Cowens also outplayed a peak KAJ in game seven of the '74 Finals, and effectively ended Kareem's once-thought dynasty run. KAJ would never come close to a title again, until Magic arrived in '80.

You did mention Thurmond, but how about two other dominant centers from the 60's, HOFers Willis Reed and Walt Bellamy. Both still stars until the mid-70's.

There were other's, as well. Sidney Wicks was a PF, but he could play center. And while you probably have not heard of him, he absolutely crushed Gilmore in their NCAA Finals match in '70. Outrebounded the all-time college career rpg leader, and blocked five of his shots, while holding Artis to a 9-29 shooting game.

The point was, the NBA had 17 teams in the early 70's, and nearly all of them had talented players, especially centers. When the ABA and NBA merged, Gilmore, and Walton's under-study at UCLA, Swen Nater, joined the elite NBA centers, as well. Oh, the most dominant center from the late 70's into the mid-80's...Moses "the Kareem Killer" Malone...who routinely trashed KAJ.

And many of them were dominant in the 80's, as well. By now everyone here knows that an old Kareem just waxed Hakeem in their career H2H's (as well as Ewing.) But in their first 10 straight H2H's, Gilmore slaughtered Hakeem, as well,...averaging 24 ppg on ...get this... a .677 FG%.

In any case, I would argue that the centers of the early 70's were even greater than those of the 90's. It was a longer list, in a league with less teams.

Very good post actually. :applause:

And good point on Gilmore who always had problems with motivation... but when he brought it look out. He could outplay anyone when he was determined. 7'2'', tall, athletic, strong as hell, excellent instincts on both ends of the floor. He was David Robinson without the work ethic.


As for the OP, not Kobe but Lebron has an outside chance to pass Kareem in total points.

[riseagainst]

Meh, maybe Kobe shouldn't have ran the stars he did have out of town.

what stars?