Lakers' LeBron James Says He's The 'Best Basketball Player That Ever Played the Game'

LeBron James is on the brink of become the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, but the Los Angeles Lakers star already believes he's the best to ever play the sport.

"What I bring to the table as a basketball player … I feel like I'm the best basketball player that ever played the game," James said, per Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register. "That's just my confidence, that's just what I bring to the table, what I possess. But as far as if the scoring record gets me to another level, I don't know."

James enters Tuesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder just 35 points shy of the record of 38,387 career points set by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The 38-year-old only has one career scoring title (2008), but he's averaged at least 20 points in each of his 20 seasons and is fifth all-time in career points per game.

Of course, James knows his impact goes beyond just scoring.

The 19-time All-Star ranks in the top 10 in NBA history in assists and steals, and he trails only Abdul-Jabbar in career win shares. He's won four NBA titles with three different organizations, earning Finals MVP each time, and has four regular-season MVP awards.

Fans all have different measurements when it comes to evaluating the greatest of all time in basketball.

Michael Jordan had the most dominant stretch, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls with 10 scoring titles and 30.1 career points per game. Bill Russell won 11 titles with the Boston Celtics and was considered one of the most dominant defensive players in history. Abdul-Jabbar combined the numbers and titles, setting the scoring record while winning six championships.

James still might have the biggest all-around impact on the game with his ability to fill up the stat sheet while helping teams win. In addition to his four championships, he reached the NBA Finals in 10 seasons.

The 2003 No. 1 overall pick has lived up to his lofty expectations and believes he has already settled the GOAT conversation.