Lebron James surpasses Kobe Bryant to become the third-leading scorer in NBA history

American professional basketballer and Los Angeles Lakers star, LeBron James, has finally surpassed fellow legend Kobe Bryant to become the third-leading scorer in NBA history.

The 35-year-old, who was a teenager when he first met Kobe Bryant at a youth basketball camp, broke his record on Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Before the game, he needed 18 points to move past Kobe’s 33,643 points. Surprisingly, James reached the required mark in the third quarter of the game.

With that basket, LeBron James moves into 3rd on the NBA’s all-time scoring list ahead of #Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. 👑 pic.twitter.com/LrTVlIbKKH
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 26, 2020

As soon as he achieved the milestone, former and current NBA players including Kobe Bryant took to their respective social media accounts to congratulate The King.

Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020

Legendary https://t.co/E40CtsLBp9
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) January 26, 2020

Congrats @KingJames on another amazing milestone.
That’s a bad brother 💯🏁#𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸#𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘯 https://t.co/JY59uHnCdJ
— Caron Butler (@realtuffjuice) January 26, 2020

Congrats @kingjames on moving up to 3rd on the all time NBA scoring list. Well deserved brother ! The Story Continues….. #holdat https://t.co/aoql8kyCON
— Rip Hamilton (@RipHamilton32) January 26, 2020

Congrats my brother.. keep inspiring @KingJames 🗣🗣
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) January 26, 2020

Well let me be the First to Congratulate LeBron James on this amazing accomplishment!!! Passing up the Great Kobe “Mamba” Bryant in Career points is unreal and remarkable!!! Congrats @KingJames
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 26, 2020

Back in March 2019, LeBron passed Michael Jordan for fourth all-time on the scoring list. Nine months later, he moved up to the third sport proving how consistent and dominant he has been in his 17-years in the NBA.