LeBron James scores 44 points to pass Chamberlain on all-time scoring list | Sport

LeBron James’ presence has already been felt in his first few weeks in Los Angeles. His most impressive game yet for the Lakers included a bit of history when he passed Wilt Chamberlain on the NBA’s career scoring list.

James had a season-high 44 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, roaring past Chamberlain for fifth place on the scoring chart and leading the Lakers to a 126-117 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

James scored 28 points in the second half and vaulted past Chamberlain’s 31,419 points on that three-point play with 3:55 to go. LeBron finished a memorable night with 31,425 points, and fell just short of his 75th triple-double during his most impressive performance since joining the Lakers.

Afterward, James praised Chamberlain as “One of the most dominant forces we ever had in our game, along with Shaq. One of the greatest Lakers to ever play the game. A 100-point scorer. One of the greatest scorer-rebounders to ever play this game.”

JaVale McGee scored 20 points and Brandon Ingram added 17 in the Lakers’ sixth win in seven games. After a slow start, Los Angeles (8-6) are already finding their groove in their first season with James and his fellow veterans joining a young core. Los Angeles are off to their best start since the 2011-12 season.

Elsewhere, everything about Jimmy Butler’s first game with the 76ers was going great, until the fourth quarter. Butler had 14 points in his Philadelphia debut, but the 76ers collapsed late and lost to Orlando 111-106 after Terrence Ross hit a tiebreaking three-pointer with 8.7 seconds left that helped the Magic finish off a big comeback.

“We’re going to be just fine because once we put this together, we’re going to be tough,” said Butler, acquired Monday from Minnesota in a five-player swap. The four-time All-Star played 33 minutes and shot 6 for 12 from the field after a couple of days spent adjusting to the big trade.

“A lot has been going on, but that’s no excuse for not winning,” he said. “No matter what, we’re expected to win. I’m expecting to win, and we’re expecting to win as a team. So that isn’t an excuse.”