LeBron James Breaks Kobe Bryant’s Record for Most Missed Shots in NBA History
In a significant milestone that reflects both his longevity and relentless pursuit of greatness, LeBron James has broken Kobe Bryant’s long-standing record for the most missed field goals in NBA history. While the feat may not seem glamorous at first glance, it underscores James’ two-decade career as one of the most prolific scorers the game has ever seen.
The Record Explained
Kobe Bryant, a basketball legend who played 20 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers, held the record for most missed shots with 14,481. While Bryant is remembered for his “Mamba Mentality” and incredible scoring ability, the record was a testament to his willingness to take difficult shots and remain undeterred by misses. Now, LeBron James, entering his 21st season, has surpassed Bryant’s mark.
As of the game in which James broke the record, he has now missed over 14,481 shots in his career, a number that highlights just how often he has been relied upon as the focal point of his teams’ offenses. His longevity—playing in more than 1,400 career games—coupled with his high usage rate, has led to an inevitable accumulation of misses.
A Reflection of Durability and Scoring Excellence
Rather than being a stain on his legacy, the new record speaks volumes about LeBron James’ unparalleled durability and willingness to take on scoring responsibility throughout his career. Over 21 seasons, James has remained one of the NBA’s most feared offensive weapons, finishing as the league’s all-time leading scorer in early 2023, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points.
James has been a model of consistency. He is known for his ability to drive to the basket, shoot from long range, and facilitate for his teammates. His scoring efficiency has been remarkable, especially for a player who has taken on such a high volume of shots over such a long period.
Contextualizing the Record
Breaking Kobe Bryant’s record for missed shots should be viewed in context. The statistic is largely a reflection of opportunity. The more a player shoots, the more likely they are to miss—especially if they are taking on the kind of scoring burden that superstars like James and Bryant have shouldered. Both players, revered for their clutch performances and offensive versatility, were tasked with taking difficult shots, many in high-pressure situations.
LeBron’s career shooting percentage of around 50% is still impressive for a player who has attempted more than 26,000 shots over his career. This level of volume shows how much trust coaches and teammates have placed in him to carry the offense for his teams, from Cleveland to Miami and now the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron’s Response
When asked about the milestone, LeBron James emphasized his approach to the game. “It’s not about how many times you miss; it’s about how many times you get back up and keep going. Every miss has taught me something, and every miss is a part of the journey that got me here. I’ve never been afraid of taking the shot.”
As James continues his career, the record for most missed shots is unlikely to weigh on his mind. Instead, it serves as a reminder of his incredible resilience, ability to evolve, and willingness to take on the responsibility of scoring. At 39 years old, LeBron James continues to chase greatness, cementing his place as one of the NBA’s most legendary figures.
Legacy Beyond the Misses
LeBron’s legacy is secure, regardless of this statistical footnote. In addition to being the league’s all-time leading scorer, James is a four-time NBA champion, a four-time MVP, and a 19-time All-Star. His ability to perform at an elite level into his late 30s only adds to the legend.
For young players, both Kobe Bryant and LeBron James serve as examples of what it means to push through adversity—whether that be in the form of missed shots or tough losses. Their careers show that greatness isn’t about perfection but rather about persistence and the ability to keep taking shots, even when they don’t fall.
