3 Reasons why only LeBron James can break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record

#2 The rise of the 3-pointer and the decline of scoring efficiency

Stephen Curry changed the whole dynamics of scoring in the NBA with his 3-point shooting

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made just one three-pointer in his career. The majority of his points came in the paint or from the post. Abdul-Jabbar also scored 6,712 points from the free throw line. During his era of basketball, the three-pointer was not taken or emphasized at the volume it is in today’s game. Kareem amassed his scoring average on a 55.9% field goal efficiency rate.

The one active player that has a shot at Jabbar’s record is LeBron James. James has made more free throws at 7,008. His field goal average is high at 50.4% but he has made 1,678 three-point field goals for an average of 34.5% from three.

This means LeBron has attempted nearly 4,860 three point shots in his career. The three-point shot does mean more points when it’s a made field goal. However, the three-point shot does drop most players' field goal efficiency. In LeBron's case, his three-point field goal average is approximately 16% lower than his overall shooting efficiency.

It's often a wonder what LeBron’s efficiency would be if he spent more time using his powerful 6’8 athletic frame around the basket. If LeBron, at his current pace, is unable to surpass Jabbar’s record, it will take a very efficient sharpshooter in the future to have a shot at this record.