How Many 40 Point Games Does LeBron Have? LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players of all time, known for his scoring ability, playmaking, and longevity in the NBA. One of the most impressive aspects of his career is his ability to dominate offensively, including his numerous 40-point games. But just how many 40-point games does LeBron James have?
In this article, we’ll explore LeBron’s scoring milestones, break down his 40-point performances, and compare them to other NBA legends.
Table of Contents
LeBron James’ 40-Point Games: A Breakdown
As of the 2023-2024 NBA season, LeBron James has recorded 75 regular-season games with 40 or more points. This number places him among the top scorers in NBA history, showcasing his elite offensive skills over two decades in the league.
Key Highlights of LeBron’s 40-Point Games
- First 40-point game: November 2004 (vs. New Jersey Nets) – 41 points
- Highest-scoring game: 61 points (March 2014 vs. Charlotte Hornets)
- Playoff 40-point games: 28 (adding to his total of over 100 playoff games with 30+ points)
- Oldest player with multiple 40-point games: LeBron scored 40+ at age 38 and 39, proving his longevity.
LeBron’s 40-Point Games by Season
LeBron has had multiple 40-point performances in different seasons, with some of his most dominant years being:
- 2005-2006: 10 games
- 2007-2008: 8 games
- 2017-2018 (Cavaliers): 7 games
- 2021-2022 (Lakers): 5 games
His consistency in scoring at a high level, even in his late 30s, is a testament to his work ethic and adaptability.
How Does LeBron Compare to Other NBA Legends?
LeBron’s 75 regular-season 40-point games rank him 6th all-time in NBA history. Here’s how he stacks up against other scoring legends:
PlayerTotal 40-Point Games (Regular Season)
Wilt Chamberlain 271
Michael Jordan 173
Kobe Bryant 122
James Harden 101
Elgin Baylor 88
LeBron James 75
While LeBron isn’t the all-time leader in 40-point games, his ability to maintain high-level scoring while also being an elite passer and defender makes his achievements even more impressive.
LeBron’s Playoff 40-Point Performances
In the playoffs, LeBron elevates his game even further. He has 28 career playoff games with 40+ points, ranking 3rd all-time behind Michael Jordan (38) and Jerry West (20). Some of his most memorable playoff 40-point games include:
- 2018 NBA Finals (Game 1): 51 points vs. Warriors
- 2012 Eastern Conference Finals (Game 6): 45 points vs. Celtics
- 2007 Eastern Conference Finals (Game 5): 48 points vs. Pistons
These performances highlight his ability to dominate in high-pressure situations.
Why Doesn’t LeBron Have More 40-Point Games?
Despite being one of the greatest scorers ever, LeBron doesn’t have as many 40-point games as some other legends. Here’s why:
- Playmaking First – LeBron is an elite passer, often prioritizing assists over scoring.
- Team Success – He has played on stacked teams where scoring was distributed.
- Longevity & Efficiency – LeBron maintains high efficiency, often scoring 25-30 points consistently rather than chasing 40 every night.
FAQs About LeBron James’ 40-Point Games
1. How many 50-point games does LeBron have?
LeBron has 14 regular-season 50-point games and 1 in the playoffs (51 points in the 2018 Finals).
2. Who has the most 40-point games in NBA history?
Wilt Chamberlain holds the record with 271 40-point games.
3. How many 40-point games did LeBron have in his prime?
From 2005-2013, LeBron had 47 40-point games, with his peak being the 2005-2006 season (10 games).
4. Has LeBron scored 40 points in a Finals game?
Yes, he scored 40+ points 7 times in the NBA Finals, including a 51-point performance in 2018.
5. How many 40-point games does LeBron have after turning 35?
LeBron has 12 40-point games since turning 35, proving his scoring ability hasn’t declined with age.
Conclusion
LeBron James’ 75 regular-season 40-point games (and 28 in the playoffs) solidify his place among the greatest scorers in NBA history. While he may not have the most 40-point games ever, his all-around dominance, longevity, and ability to perform in clutch moments make his scoring achievements even more remarkable.
As he continues to play at an elite level, we may see him add more 40-point performances to his legendary career.
