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WITNESSing Greatness: LeBron’s historic 2015-16 regular season

By Omar Josef Guerrero

Apr 5, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Cleveland won 109-80. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Cleveland won 109-80. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the dust settled on the season, LeBron James added to his already glowing credentials with a historic 2015-16 NBA campaign. This year saw the King overtake some of the greatest players in NBA history. From Oscar Robertson to Larry Bird to Michael Jordan, no name was considered sacred on James’ laundry list of legends to surpass.

Just this season alone, LeBron moved ahead 11 all-time NBA greats on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. They are Jerry West, Reggie Miller, Alex English, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, John Havlicek, Tim Duncan, John Havlicek, Tim Duncan, Dominique Wilkins, and Oscar Robertson. And that’s just for starters!

Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

James is on his way to finish his illustrious career as the only player in NBA history to be in the top ten in points, assists, and steals.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances that will derail his career, James is on his way to finish his illustrious career as the only player in NBA history to be in the top ten in points, assists, and steals. Currently, he is 11th in points, 18th in assists, and 24th in steals for his career.

Before we get to a summary of his final numbers at the end of the season, here are James’ career accomplishments the past two weeks:

  • Points – James (26,833) passed Oscar Robertson (26,710) to take possession of the 11th spot in career points after the game against the Atlanta Hawks (4/1).
  • Rebounds – In the same game against the Hawks, LeBron (7,067) surged past Kobe Bryant (7,047) for 100th place in career rebounds and then moved into the 99th spot ahead of Spencer Haywood (7,038). Bryant would eventually overtake Haywood as well before the season ended.
  • Three-Pt Field Goals Made – James (1,343) was neck-and-neck with Manu Ginobili (1,342) for 30th place in all-time three-pointers. Eventually, LeBron made enough threes to claim the spot from the San Antonio Spurs star but the two can still trade places next season if Ginobili (31st) doesn’t retire after the playoffs end.

Here’s a summary of James’ career numbers from the major categories, as well as some minor ones, and his place in history:

  • Games: 987 (126th)
  • Points: 26,833 (11th)
  • Rebounds: 7,067 (99th)
  • Assists: 6,815 (18th)
  • Steals: 1,657 (24th)
  • Blocks: 773 (137th)
  • Field Goals Made: 9,687 (16th)
  • Free-Throws Made: 6,116 (16th)
  • Three-Pt Field Goals Made: 1,343 (30th)
  • Turnovers: 3,316 (15th)
  • Triple-Doubles: 42 (7th)

The 2015-16 NBA season was definitely one for the books for James. As he winds down his career in the next few seasons, every year he plays will only add to his Hall-of-Fame-worthy accomplishments. Next season will be quite intriguing as well as he is set to move even higher in the rankings.

But there’s still the NBA playoffs for us to discuss before we get to the 2016-17 season. I’ll fill you in on that one, too, in the days ahead.

Let the fun of the NBA playoffs begin!

Get ready for more incredible statistical accomplishments for LeBron James on WITNESSing Greatness as we cover the NBA playoffs on KingJamesGospel.com.