LeBron's latest feat proves he's the NBA's most consistent scorer ever
Michael Jordan never did it. Neither did Kobe Bryant. Nor Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It doesn't matter which of your favorite all-time scorers you pick -- they've never done it.
But LeBron James has.
With James sitting out the Cavaliers' final game of the season against the Pistons, he finishes the 2015-16 season as first player in NBA history to average 25-plus points in 12 consecutive seasons, according to the Cavs:
12 = straight seasons LeBron has averaged 25+ pts a game, a new NBA record.
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 12, 2016
BY THE NUMBERS: https://t.co/WCBboSLN9e pic.twitter.com/PYW07XZA7s
This incredible stat speaks to LeBron's historical scoring prowess and, to a larger extent, durability. Injuries have yet to derail him up until this point. He's never had a sub-par season, despite Father Time's recent attempts to undermine him.
LeBron isn't the first name that comes to mind when most think of an all-time scorer -- MJ and Kobe and Kareem and Larry Bird are often mentioned first -- despite arguably being the best we've ever seen through a player's first 13 seasons.
Jordan averaged 25-plus points for 11 consecutive seasons, though that featured a two-year sabbatical. Bryant did it nine straight seasons. Abdul-Jabbar's record was nine as well.
Those players may have had higher or more iconic scoring outbursts, but James has been more consistent. At just 31 years old, James could easily continue averaging 25-plus points for another season or two (if not longer). The streak should go on for a while.
Criticize his jump shot, pass-first style of play, and notable free-throw woes all you want. But James puts up points -- efficiently -- every damn season.
Jovan Buha covers the NBA for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @jovanbuha.
