(VIDEO) LeBron James Joins Kobe Bryant as Second Player in Lakers History to Make 1,000 3-Pointers

LeBron James etched his name deeper into Los Angeles Lakers lore Saturday night, becoming just the second player in franchise history to make 1,000 three-pointers while wearing the purple and gold, joining the late Kobe Bryant in an exclusive club during a dominant 129-101 road victory over the Golden State Warriors.

The milestone came early in the first quarter at Chase Center when James drilled his second three-pointer of the game—a step-back jumper from the wing at the five-minute mark—pushing his Lakers total to 1,000. He entered the contest with 998 made threes as a Laker and finished the night with 1,002 after going 4-for-6 from beyond the arc, including his first four attempts.

The 41-year-old superstar joined Bryant, who holds the franchise record with 1,827 career three-pointers made over his 20 seasons with the team. Derek Fisher ranks third with 846, followed by Nick Van Exel (750) and Byron Scott (595), per Lakers statistics.

James' hot start from deep set the tone for the Lakers (35-24), who snapped a three-game losing streak and improved their playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Luka Dončić led the way with 26 points, including four three-pointers, while adding six rebounds and eight assists in a commanding performance on his birthday. Austin Reaves contributed 18 points, and the bench provided depth with Luke Kennard (16) and Jake LaRavia (15).

James finished with 22 points on 7-of-13 shooting, seven rebounds, nine assists and one steal in 28 efficient minutes. Coach J.J. Redick emptied the bench in the fourth quarter as the lead ballooned to as many as 26 points in the third.

The accomplishment underscores James' evolution as a shooter since joining the Lakers in 2018. Known earlier in his career for driving to the rim and mid-range mastery, he has adapted his game to the modern NBA's emphasis on spacing and perimeter shooting. His career three-point total stands at 2,618, with 1,251 made during his Cleveland Cavaliers tenure—making him the first player in NBA history to record 1,000+ threes with multiple franchises.

Saturday's game highlighted James' continued elite play late in his 23rd season. Despite turning 41 in December, he averages 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 49.8% from the field, though his three-point percentage sits at 29.9% this season. The milestone three came amid a strong shooting night that helped the Lakers shoot 12-of-22 from deep overall.

The Warriors (31-29) struggled defensively, particularly against the Lakers' ball movement and transition opportunities. Golden State, missing key pieces due to injuries and roster changes, never mounted a serious challenge after falling behind early.

Postgame, James reflected on the achievement in brief comments to reporters, crediting teammates for creating open looks and acknowledging Bryant's enduring impact on the franchise.

"It's special to be in that conversation with Kobe," James said. "He set the standard here, and to reach this with the Lakers means a lot after everything we've been through as a group."

The feat drew widespread praise across social media and from NBA circles. Former players, analysts and fans highlighted the rarity of a player sustaining high-level production into his 40s while adding new dimensions to his game. Bryant's widow, Vanessa Bryant, and family members were among those offering congratulations online, underscoring the respect between the two icons despite their different eras.

For the Lakers, the win provided a much-needed boost as they push toward the postseason. With 23 games remaining, the team sits firmly in playoff contention, bolstered by James' leadership and veteran presence alongside younger talents like Dončić and Reaves.

The milestone also reignites debates about James' place in the all-time greats conversation. While his scoring titles, championships and records abound, adding franchise-specific feats with the Lakers solidifies his legacy in Los Angeles, where he has won one championship (2020) and consistently performed at an All-NBA level.

As the season progresses, James shows no signs of slowing. With the three-point milestone secured, attention turns to other potential records, including climbing higher on the Lakers' all-time scoring list—he already ranks among the top in franchise history—and continuing to mentor the next generation.

Saturday's performance was a reminder of why James remains one of the league's most dominant forces. In a game that featured fireworks from deep, his historic three stood out as a quiet yet profound addition to an already storied career.