Breaking Records: LeBron James Dethrones Kobe Bryant to Become NBA’s All-Time Leader in Missed Field Goals
October 24, 2024 – LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, has added yet another record to his extraordinary basketball résumé, though this time, it’s one he’d probably prefer to leave off his list of accomplishments. With a mid-range jumper clanging off the rim in the second quarter of last night’s game against the Golden State Warriors, James surpassed Kobe Bryant to become the NBA’s all-time leader in missed field goals.
While missed shots are an inevitable part of the game, this record speaks volumes not just about the sheer number of attempts James has taken, but also about his incredible longevity and his standing as one of the greatest players in NBA history. To miss this many shots, a player must consistently be one of the top offensive threats on the floor, willing to take on the burden of scoring for his team across thousands of games and seasons. As LeBron’s career enters its 22nd season, he now holds a record that reflects both his tenacity and the scope of his career.
The Numbers Behind the Misses
LeBron James’ journey to this record began in 2003 when he made his NBA debut as an 18-year-old phenomenon straight out of high school. Fast forward to 2024, and James has played in over 1,600 regular season games, amassing more than 39,000 points while averaging close to 50% shooting for his career. However, the other side of those remarkable statistics is the number of shots missed over time. To dethrone Kobe Bryant, James missed his 14,421st field goal, one more than Bryant’s previous mark of 14,420.
Kobe Bryant, a Lakers legend, held the title of the NBA’s leader in missed field goals since his retirement in 2016. Known for his fearless shooting, Bryant took a large volume of shots throughout his career, famously stating, “I would go 0-for-30 before I go 0-for-9. 0-for-9 means you beat yourself; you psyched yourself out of the game.” In similar fashion, James has always embraced the role of his team’s offensive leader, often putting his teams on his back in clutch situations. The miss record, therefore, doesn’t tell the whole story—it is a reflection of James’ willingness to shoulder the scoring load time and again.
What This Record Means for LeBron’s Legacy
The news of LeBron James becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in missed field goals will undoubtedly stir up debate among basketball fans and analysts alike. In a career marked by four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and countless other accolades, this record is unlikely to tarnish LeBron’s legacy in any significant way. In fact, it underscores the level of responsibility he has carried on the court for over two decades.
Many will point out that only a player who is constantly in the limelight, expected to perform at the highest level, can hold such a record. Every superstar in NBA history, from Michael Jordan to Karl Malone, has accumulated their fair share of missed shots. The volume of attempts is a product of elite players maintaining the trust of their teammates and coaching staffs to keep taking shots, even after several misses.
Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith commented on the record during ESPN’s post-game show: “LeBron James missing all these shots? I don’t care. He’s earned the right to take every one of those shots. If you’re going to talk about missed shots, you better be ready to talk about all the makes, the championships, the leadership, and the way he’s transformed this league.”
Some critics, however, will latch onto the record as part of a broader debate about James’ approach to the game. While his shooting percentage has remained impressive, detractors have often pointed out his struggles in the clutch, particularly during the early years of his career. Yet, even those criticisms have faded over time as James repeatedly proved his worth in high-stakes moments, most notably during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.
For LeBron’s supporters, this record may be viewed as a symbol of perseverance. Unlike many players whose production wanes significantly as they age, James has remained a focal point of his team’s offense well into his late thirties and now early forties. The missed field goals are merely a byproduct of the immense pressure he has faced every night to deliver for his teams.
LeBron’s Response
LeBron James, ever the consummate professional, took the milestone in stride. After the game, he addressed the record with his characteristic mix of humility and self-awareness.
“Look, I’ve missed a lot of shots in my career, and I’m going to miss more,” James said with a smile. “But I’ve also made a lot of shots, and that’s what I focus on—what I can do for my team on any given night. You can’t be afraid to miss if you want to win, and that’s something I learned early on. Kobe [Bryant] was the same way, Michael [Jordan] too, and all the greats. If you’re scared to fail, you’ll never succeed.”
James’ comments highlight the mindset required of superstars who take on the responsibility of leading their teams. Missing shots is simply part of the process of trying to win, and it’s clear that LeBron has embraced this mentality throughout his career.
When asked whether passing Kobe Bryant on the all-time misses list felt strange, given the reverence he holds for the late Lakers icon, LeBron nodded thoughtfully. “Kobe was one of the fiercest competitors to ever play this game, and to be mentioned in the same breath as him is always an honor. He wasn’t afraid to take shots, and neither am I. It’s part of the job.”
Comparing the Legends: LeBron vs. Kobe
The comparisons between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have been a constant theme throughout their careers, even when they were active at the same time. Both players are members of the Lakers’ storied franchise, and both are often discussed as being among the greatest basketball players of all time. Now, with LeBron surpassing Kobe on the missed field goals list, another layer is added to the debate.
Kobe Bryant played 20 seasons, all with the Los Angeles Lakers, and retired in 2016 as the NBA’s third all-time leading scorer at the time, behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. He finished his career with 33,643 points on 44.7% shooting. Bryant’s mentality as a player was famously aggressive—he was never shy about taking shots, especially in clutch situations, earning him the nickname “Black Mamba.” He prided himself on his ability to shoot through slumps and often carried his team on his back, for better or worse.
LeBron, on the other hand, has always been a more balanced player, excelling as a scorer but also as a facilitator and defender. His career shooting percentage of nearly 50% is higher than Bryant’s, and he’s often been lauded for his basketball IQ and decision-making on the court. Yet, like Kobe, LeBron has had to bear the brunt of his team’s offensive expectations for the vast majority of his career. As a result, both players ended up with a significant number of missed shots, though the circumstances surrounding their misses differ.
While Kobe was known for his relentless shooting regardless of whether he was hot or cold, LeBron has been more calculated, sometimes even criticized for passing up shots in critical moments to find an open teammate. Despite these differences, both players share an unshakable confidence in their ability to take and make difficult shots when their teams need them most.
The debate over who is the greater player will continue for years to come, but the missed field goals record is unlikely to settle it one way or another. Instead, it will serve as another fascinating point of comparison between two of the NBA’s most iconic figures.
The Bigger Picture: Longevity and Greatness
LeBron James’ rise to the top of the missed field goals leaderboard is inextricably tied to his longevity. Now in his 22nd season, James continues to play at an elite level, defying Father Time in a way that few athletes in any sport have managed. His ability to maintain such a high level of performance for so long is part of what makes him a unique figure in the history of the NBA.
Throughout his career, LeBron has consistently evolved his game, adapting to new roles as his athleticism gradually declined. Where once he relied on explosive drives to the basket, he now incorporates a more polished post game and a deadly fadeaway jumper. His basketball IQ and passing ability have only grown sharper, allowing him to remain one of the best players in the league well into his 40s.
The fact that LeBron is still missing shots—taking them in the first place—is a testament to how central he remains to the Lakers’ fortunes. Unlike many players who fade into the background as they age, James continues to carry a heavy load for his team, leading by example and still producing at a level that would be remarkable for players a decade younger.
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As the NBA evolves into a new era, filled with rising stars like Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Victor Wembanyama, LeBron James remains the league’s elder statesman. He has seen the game change around him, from the dominance of big men in the early 2000s to the modern emphasis on pace and space, three-point shooting, and positionless basketball. Through it all, James has continued to thrive, setting records—both positive and negative—that highlight his enduring greatness.
Conclusion: A Record That Speaks to More Than Just Misses
LeBron James’ new title as the NBA’s all-time leader in missed field goals
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