Anyone with a pulse may see the strain following LeBron James’ record-breaking basket passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar because the NBA’s all-time main scorer. The 2 males, who’ve scored extra buckets than anybody in affiliation historical past, got here off as extraordinarily awkward subsequent to 1 one other in the course of the ceremony celebrating James’ achievement.

The connection, or lack thereof, between James and Abdul-Jabbar, is nicely documented and was on full show Tuesday evening. The King placed on a courageous face after which conjured up a couple of tears, however his power and physique language was screaming, “why is he even right here.” Neither celebration appeared thrilled, however nonetheless, everybody obtained what they wished out of the second.

James took his place on the mantle because the NBA’s most prolific scorer. The captain saved face (considerably) by displaying up and never coming off as a grumpy outdated man by skipping the occasion, though his face stated in any other case at occasions. Then the NBA and the Lakers obtained their blissful second, video footage, and picture ops they will use for the subsequent 75 years to commemorate and monetize.

There was additionally this:

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Over the years, Abdul-Jabbar has been critical of James, then praised him at other times. James isn’t the type to forget a jab, even if he forgives. Sometimes warranted, and other times it’s felt like Kareem is digging at LeBron because he can. But Abdul-Jabbar has always had a reputation for being a bit cantankerous.

“Some of the things that he’s done and said are really beneath him as far as I can see,” Abdul-Jabbar stated. “Versus a number of the nice issues that he’s achieved. He’s standing on each side of the fence, nearly. It makes it exhausting for me to just accept that … when he’s dedicated himself to a special tackle every thing, it’s exhausting to determine the place he’s standing. You bought to examine him out each time.”

There’s no animosity on James’ half, or at the very least that’s what he instructed ESPN’s Michael Wilbon in a latest interview.

“It’s all good. On the finish of the day, we’re part of a franchise that’s so historic within the sport of basketball and means a lot to so many individuals, not solely right here in Los Angeles however everywhere in the world, that it simply is smart. It’s type of bizarre how the celebs align.”

For what it’s value, Abdul-Jabbar additionally had beef with the participant he eclipsed to grow to be the all-time main scorer in 1984, Wilt Chamberlain. He wasn’t even within the constructing when Kareem handed him, though Chamberlain was alleged to be there. Probably the most important distinction is Kareem and Wilt really had a detailed relationship at one time and competed towards one another. James’ period is a few generations faraway from Abdul-Jabbar’s, so a few of his criticism has felt unwarranted. So, it’s simple to see why LeBron would possibly really feel a sure manner about his interactions with “The Captain” throughout his profession.