On Friday night, LeBron James passed Magic Johnson with an assist during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 133-129 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The four-time MVP is now tied for sixth in career assists.
Johnson finished seventh on the all-time list with 10,141 hits. In 38 minutes, James recorded his sixth double-double of the season, collecting 28 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and two steals.
On several NBA betting sites, Lakers forward LeBron James ranks 18th on the MVP odds list. Some sportsbooks show better odds for Trae Young and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Congratulations @King James of the @Lakers To move into 6th all-time in total assists! pic.twitter.com/FG6nL9937b
— NBA (@NBA) December 3, 2022
Now, the 18-time All-Star has 10,144 assists. “It means a lot, obviously,” LeBron James said after the win. “The way Magic approached the game; it was contagious. His teammates loved playing with him because of the joy he had and the way he passed the ball and got other people involved.
“He’s always happy to see his teammates. I was always in awe of him. The most humbling and awesome thing is that I get to work in a Lakers uniform and know how much Magic means to the Lakers franchise.
James needs 191 assists to pass Mark Jackson (10,334) for fifth on the all-time list. Similarly, Steve Nash (10,335) needs 192 for the fourth most assists.
Lakers star LeBron James passes Magic Johnson for sixth on all-time assists list
During the 2019-20 season, Bron averaged a career-high 10.2 assists. While on the 2020 NBA bubble, Bron finished the season with 684 total points in 67 starts. However, he collected more assists during the 2017-18 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Of course, in an 82-game season, LeBron James averaged 9.1 assists in his final season with the Cavaliers. James finished with a career-best 747 assists as the star appeared in every game.
Last season, in 56 games, the four-time NBA champion averaged 6.2 assists per game. His total reached 349. In the past two seasons, the Lakers star has not recorded more than 350 assists in a single regular season.
“It’s an honor to try to carry on his legacy while playing this game.” @King James Passing by @MagicJohnson For No. 6 on the NBA’s all-time assists list. pic.twitter.com/01iYFDrSwd
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) December 3, 2022
Additionally, Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul leads all active players with 11,071 assists, and the veteran ranks third on the all-time list. Paul has missed the last 12 games with a heel injury.
In 10 starts this season, the 18-year-old veteran is averaging 9.4 assists per contest. LeBron James will only pass Suns guard if Paul misses too many games or retires soon.
Of course, Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is second on the all-time list with 12,091 assists. In just 50 starts in Phoenix during the 1998-99 season, Kidd averaged a career-high 10.8 assists per game.
Utah jazz legend John Stockton remains the all-time leader with a total of 15,806 endorsements. During his 19 years at Stockton, he averaged 10.5 assists.
In the year Additionally, the Hall of Famer appeared in all 82 games the following season and recorded 14.2 assists per game. Set the record for most assists in a regular season (1,164).
