LA Lakers schedule: Predicting when LeBron James can become NBA's all-time scoring leader

LeBron James had a quiet scoring performance on Wednesday night. While scoring 20 points isn't bad for a 38-year-old, James has played so well lately that anything under 30 points is a disappointment.

On a positive note, the four-time MVP has gotten closer to becoming the NBA's all-time scoring leader. On top of that, the LA Lakers got another victory, which brought them closer to the final play-in spot.

Predicting when exactly James will surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and get to the top of the scoring list is an inexact science. So we will take a look at the Lakers schedule and try and calculate when James can achieve this impressive feat.

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LeBron James will almost certainly becoming NBA's all-time leading scorer in early February

The LA Lakers forward is only 158 points behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA's all-time scoring list. After playing two games at home, the Lakers will hit the road for five straight games.

LeBron has averaged 29.9 points per game in the 2022-23 season, and if he keeps up this scoring pace, he will break the record right after the road trip against the Oklahoma City Thunder. That game will take place on Tuesday, Feb 7.

James may break the record in early February 2023 (Image via Getty Images)

While breaking the record against the Thunder sounds like a real possibility, there are a few factors that may postpone this historic achievement. To break the record on Feb. 7, James has to stay healthy and play in every single game.

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During their road trip, the LA Lakers will have one back-to-back game and there is a chance that LeBron will sit it out. This would push the date for his impressive achievement to Thursday, Feb. 9, against the Milwaukee Bucks.

LeBron could surpass Abdul-Jabbar against his former team (Image via Getty Images)

Not only would this be another home game for LeBron, which would make the record even more special, but it would come against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's former team.

Abdul-Jabbar spent six seasons in Milwaukee, averaging 30.4 points and 15.3 rebounds per game.

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The LA Lakers' schedule

The Lakers will begin their road trip in Boston against the Celtics before they play in New York against the Nets and the Knicks. Their first game in February will be against the Indiana Pacers and they will end their road trip in New Orleans against the Pelicans.

If LeBron James keeps up his scoring average, he will have two games to break the all-time scoring record against the Thunder and the Bucks.

The Lakers will host the Thunder after their road trip (Image via Getty Images)

If the Lakers forward doesn't break the record at home, he will have a chance to do so against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. Considering that the Warriors and LeBron James have a long history of rivalry, this would also make the record more special.

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After the Dubs, the Lakers will play against the Portland Trail Blazers on the road and against the Pelicans at home.