James scored 16 points, becomes NBA's all-time scoring record

The Lakers superstar went on a scoring spree and scored the record in the third quarter Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder in front of a jubilant home crowd in Los Angeles, clinching the record in the third quarter Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, needing 36 points to become the NBA's all-time regular-season scoring leader.

James had 20 points by halftime and racked up another 16 in the third quarter, setting the record on a fade-away jumper with 10.9 seconds left in the quarter.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a Lakers legend, had held the scoring record for nearly four decades, with 38,387 career points. Abdul-Jabbar set the 1984 NBA record, topping Wilt Chamberlain, and continued playing until 1989.

The game was stopped so the NBA could honor James, 38, who is playing in his 20th season. James will be honored again with a larger-scale celebration at the upcoming NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City.

James, a teary-eyed person, addressed the cheering crowd and acknowledged Abdul-Jabbar: I thank you guys so much, he said.