LeBron James reached another significant milestone in his illustrious NBA career during the Los Angeles Lakers‘ recent game against the Phoenix Suns. Midway through the fourth quarter, James sank his 2,450th career three-pointer, tying retired sharpshooter Kyle Korver for seventh place on the all-time three-pointers made list. While the achievement drew praise from across the league, Korver’s playful reaction stood out for its humor.
The former NBA All-Star couldn’t resist poking fun at his former teammate, quipping:
“Took you long enough.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLs1zhjvZDE
Korver’s comment, shared by TNT reporter Jared Greenberg during the broadcast, is a nod to the camaraderie and mutual respect the two players share. Korver and James played together on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2017 to 2018, a stint that included two trips to the NBA Finals. During their time as teammates, James often utilized Korver’s sharpshooting ability to great effect, as the veteran shooter consistently ranked among the league’s best from beyond the arc.
NBA All-Time 3-Point Leaders
1. Stephen Curry – 3807 3PM
2. James Harden – 2988 3PM
3. Ray Allen – 2973 3PM
4. Damian Lillard – 2655 3PM
5. Reggie Miller – 2560 3PM
6. Klay Thompson – 2531 3PM
T-7. LeBron James – 2450 3PM
T-7. Kyle Korver – 2450 3PM
9. Vince Carter – 2290 3PM
10. Jason Terry – 2282 3PM
However, Korver’s jest also carried an undercurrent of statistical truth. LeBron, despite his extraordinary versatility and dominance, needed 276 more games to reach the 2,450 mark compared to Korver.
The retired sharpshooter, widely regarded as one of the most efficient three-point specialists in NBA history, finished his career with an impressive 42.9% shooting accuracy from deep. By contrast, James, whose career three-point percentage is 34.9%, has steadily evolved into a reliable long-range shooter over time.
Korver’s lighthearted jab underscores the stylistic and career differences between the two players. While Korver was a specialist whose shooting touch was his calling card, LeBron has built his legacy on versatility, athleticism, and a deep basketball IQ. James’ ability to impact the game in virtually every facet has solidified his status as one of the greatest players in history.
James’ longevity is particularly remarkable. Both he and Korver entered the NBA as part of the iconic 2003 draft class, but while Korver retired in 2021, James is still competing at an elite level in his 22nd season. At 39 years old, LeBron remains the centerpiece of the Lakers’ roster, consistently putting up All-Star-level numbers.
This season, James’ three-point shooting has been a highlight of his game. Attempting 5.6 shots from beyond the arc per game, he’s converting at a career-high 42.2%, a dramatic improvement over his career average. This newfound efficiency has not only contributed to his individual milestones but also helped the Lakers remain competitive in a tough Western Conference.
For James, tying Korver’s mark is one of many accomplishments in a career defined by record-breaking feats. The next step will be surpassing Korver to claim sole possession of seventh place, with Klay Thompson and Reggie Miller in sight further up the leaderboard.
Korver, now 43, will undoubtedly be watching with pride as LeBron continues his climb. While their careers have taken different paths, the respect and humor between them highlight the camaraderie that defines the NBA community. And as James’ three-point shooting continues to improve, he may not only rise on the all-time list but also silence critics who doubted his long-range capabilities in the early stages of his career.
For now, Korver’s playful “took you long enough” will serve as a reminder of both the rivalry and friendship that make moments like this even more special in the game of basketball.
LeBron James Can Reach Top 5 In The All-Time 3-Pointer Made List
LeBron James is steadily climbing the NBA’s all-time three-pointers made list, currently tied for seventh with Kyle Korver at 2,450. While it is unlikely that he will catch active sharpshooters like Stephen Curry (3,807), James Harden (2,988), Damian Lillard (2,655), or Klay Thompson (2,531), James has a realistic shot at breaking into the top five.
LeBron is just 110 three-pointers away from surpassing Reggie Miller (2,560) for the fifth spot. This season, James is shooting a career-high 41.2% from beyond the arc and averaging 2.4 makes on 5.7 attempts per game. If he plays 55 of the Lakers’ remaining 65 games, he is on pace to add approximately 132 three-pointers, which would elevate him past Miller before the end of the season.
Catching Ray Allen (2,973) in third place would require James to hit an additional 523 three-pointers. This daunting task would likely take three more seasons at his current pace, making it improbable given LeBron’s age and career trajectory. Nonetheless, cracking the top five would be a remarkable feat for a player who was once criticized for his outside shooting, further cementing James’ legacy as one of the most versatile and enduring players in NBA history.
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