LeBron James will end his career as one of the heads of statistical departments in history. But last Sunday he stepped into an important role, becoming the eighth player in the league with the most steals.
He did it in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 105-104 victory over the Houston Rockets to move to 8-6 on the season.
Congratulations @KingJames of @lakers The number of steals rose to eighth place in history! pic.twitter.com/yXIiucQ1pX
—NBA (@NBA) November 20, 2023
James has 2,205 career steals, surpassing Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler (2,207) and ranking eighth. This is truly an amazing position for a player of his position and size, as it’s typically point guards and guards who get the most steals in basketball.
The next player James will surpass will be six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen, who totaled 2,307 steals during his stellar career with the Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers.
That night, James averaged 25.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.6 steals in 12 games in his 21st NBA season, shooting 57.2% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range.