LeBron James beat Wilt Chamberlain on the NBA scorers list on Wednesday night – and he did so dramatically.

James was fifth on the list with 31,425 career points, scoring a record 44 in one season and leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 126-117 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. He just failed to record his second triple-double of the season with 10 rebounds and nine assists.

This is the most points of a Lakers player since Kobe Bryant scored 60 in the final match of his career in April 2016.

He was almost impeccable from a distance, making 5 attempts on 3 points and shooting 13 times out of 19 from the ground.

James scored the historic basket with 3:55 left in the match when he made a 12-foot jumper while being fouled by Jake Layman and then made the free throw.

Chamberlain, the center of the Hall of Fame who played for the Lakers from 1968 to 1973, scored 31,419 points in his 14-year career. James is now suing Michael Jordan, who is fourth on the scorecard with 32,292 points.

In his post-game remarks, James paid tribute to Chamberlain.

"One of the most dominant forces we've ever had in our game, with Shaq," James said. "One of the greatest Lakers to have ever played in the game. One of the greatest scorers and bouncers of all time … Just dominant in all areas of life, not just his career in basketball. -ball. "

James seemed to have trouble finding the right words when asked how one felt wearing a Lakers uniform when he passed one of the greatest Lakers players.

"I do not know how I feel right now," he said. "I'm glad we won another win, but every time my name is mentioned among the greats who played this game, you know I'm still thinking back to my hometown (Akron), where I was from, and where my distance, I came, so that's all for me. "

The Lakers coach, Luke Walton, who was selected the same year as James, was amazed by the 16-year-old veteran's feat.

"Doing what he did and being in the top 5 of this list and playing basketball as he plays basketball, with his egoism and ability to engage his teammates, is something to be welcomed and commented on and I am sure that will be the case, "said Walton. "I'm doing my part to congratulate one of the greatest of all time for its great success."

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In addition to making history, James continues to make his presence felt in his first season with the Lakers.

James fueled the Lakers' recent surge as the team went to 8-6. After starting season 2-5, the Lakers won six of seven and four consecutive.

Their win over Portland was the second Lakers this season – noting that the Lakers had lost 16 straight games against the Blazers before.

On Wednesday, the Lakers were 13 points behind with 6:29 in the second quarter. James then helped to propel the Lakers on a 27-10 thrust to complete the half, and the Lakers were never more tugged.

Follow Josh Peter on Twitter @ joshlpeter11.