Top 3 NBA records LeBron James broke with his near 47-point triple-double on his birthday

LeBron James celebrated his 38th birthday with his best game of the season. He led the LA Lakers to a 15-point come-from-behind win over the Atlanta Hawks by finishing with 47 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.

The last time the four-time MVP scored at least 40 points was in March when he exploded for 50 against the Washington Wizards. It is also the second-most points scored on his birthday after he had 48 in 2009 when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The LA Lakers franchise player wasn’t just forceful throughout the game. He was also very effective and was the biggest reason LA won this game. James was 18-of-27 from the field and 4-for-6 from 3-point distance.

LeBron James’ latest masterpiece in the 20th season of his career has also allowed him to grab at least three more NBA records.

Here are three more incredible accomplishments that he has added to his already mind-boggling basketball resume:

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#1 LeBron James overtakes Oscar Robertson for career points in birthday games

Before tonight’s epic performance by the four-time NBA champ, Oscar Robertson held the record for career points in birthday games. He had a total of 275 in 11 matches before he retired.

After scoring his 20th point of the game in the third quarter, James had 276, surpassing the “Big O. The LA Lakers superstar ended the night with 303 total points.

LeBron James has now played in eight birthday games, averaging 33.7 points, a record he’s been holding for quite some time.

#2 Longest span between the first and last 40-point games

The record was previously owned by Michael Jordan. MJ had his first 40-point game back in 1984 when he was 21 years old. He dropped 45 points against the San Antonio Spurs.

The last time he reached 40 was on Feb. 21, 2003, as a member of the Washington Wizards. He had 43 to lead the Wizards to an 89-86 win over the New Jersey Nets. Jordan played the last season of his career in 2003.

It’s 18 years, 3 months and 8 days between those two dates.

LeBron James’ first 40-point game was on March 27, 2004, versus, coincidentally enough, the New Jersey Nets where he scored 41 points. James’ Cavaliers beat the Nets 107-104.

Today marks 18 years, 9 months and 4 days since he dropped his first 40-point game.

#3 Third most points by an NBA player 38 years old or older

This is technically not a record as he only moves third in the rankings. It is still worth mentioning, though.

LeBron James’ 47 pushes him past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had a 46 on Feb. 6, 1986, in a game between the LA Lakers and Houston Rockets. Abdul-Jabbar was 38 years and 296 days old when that happened.

Michael Jordan had 51 points on Dec. 29, 2001, versus his future team, the Charlotte Hornets. He was 38 years and 315 days old and wanted to clap back at his critics.

Jamal Crawford sits on the throne in this ranking. He also had a 51 against the Dallas Mavericks on April 4, 2019. He was 39 years and 20 days old.

LeBron James told his teammates earlier tonight that he was going for 40. Before the season is over, he might go for at least 51 to tie Jordan and Crawford for the record.