LeBron James after his record in the NBA: "I feel like I'm the best"

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Predecessors and successors: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar symbolically passes the ball to LeBron James

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Ashley Landis/AP

Basketball superstar LeBron James also confidently answered the question of the greatest player in history after setting the NBA point record.

"Everyone has their favourite, everyone decides for themselves. I know what I've brought and I feel like I'm the best that has ever played this game.

But there are so many great players and I'm glad I'm part of it all," said the 38-year-old, who now has 38,390 points, on the TV channel TNT.

With his 38 points in his Los Angeles Lakers' 130:133 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, James has replaced the previous record holder Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points).

The 75-year-old Abdul-Jabbar, who was in the audience on Tuesday, had held the record for almost 39 years.

James, who still wants to play in the NBA with his son Bronny, is far from thinking about the end of his career.

“I'll play a few more years.

It's all about my head,' James said.

He still feels he can help win championships.

"It's been a pleasure to play in this league for 20 years."

The new record holder received congratulations from all sides, including politicians.

US President Joe Biden was presented with a specially recorded video message.

"Congratulations LeBron.

You inspired the nation to be better.

Keep it up!” said Biden.

Ex-President Bill Clinton also spoke up: “Congratulations on this milestone.

That's not bad for a pass-first player."

“A record that has stood for almost 40 years and that many thought would never be broken.

LeBron, you are the NBA's all-time scoring leader," said NBA boss Adam Silver at an impromptu ceremony on the arena floor.

The game was briefly interrupted for around 15 minutes.

Abdul-Jabbar also congratulated his record successor: "LeBron dominated this game from the start.

He's been doing this for almost 20 years.

You have to give him respect for how he dominates and how he has led his teams to championships.« Dirk Nowitzki tweeted a short: »Incredible!!

Congratulations @KingJames«.

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