Back in early November, NBA legend LeBron James was a massive betting favorite to break the all-time scoring record this season.
Oddsmakers had James as a -1100 favorite to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 2022-23 season. You could have bet on him not breaking it in the 2022-23 campaign at +650 odds. Those were relatively lopsided plus-minus betting odds.
In hindsight, it was a slam-dunk bet. However, injuries were always a possibility, as there are no guarantees in sports betting. The Yes/No market is no longer available, as it’s a near certainty that James will pass the all-time mark this season. Something catastrophic would need to happen for him to fail.
Through Thursday, James averaged 30.1 points per game, better than his career average of 27.2. The record was only 63 points away for James after a win on Feb. 2 against the Indiana Pacers.
Did you miss out on wagering on James’ run at history earlier this season? Oddsmakers at DraftKings still have LeBron betting specials available for the big night. You can also bet on basketball the traditional way with each of his individual games, but here we’re looking at the unique offerings for the record.
How Will LeBron Break The Scoring Record?
It’s no surprise that gambling oddsmakers pegged a two-point field goal as the most likely way he passes the record. Through Thursday, James averaged 9.4 made field goals per game in the 2022-23 season.
- Two-point field goal: -150
- Three-point field goal: +240
- Free Throw: +370
James averaged 2.2 three-pointers and 4.7 free throws made per game.
When Will LeBron Break The Scoring Record?
Oddsmakers predicted that James would break the record at home on Feb. 9 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Not rocket science given his PPG average. The Lakers also had games scheduled for Feb. 4 and Feb. 7.
The most James ever scored in a game was 61 points in 2014.
As you can see below, Feb. 9 was the favorite, with Feb. 7 as a relative long shot. James dropping at least 63 points on Feb. 4 to break not only the NBA’s all-time scoring record but also his career high for a single game was a massive long shot, but you could bet it.
- 2/9/23 [vs MIL Bucks]: −150
- 2/7/23 [vs OKC Thunder]: +165
- 2/11/23 [at GS Warriors]: +350
- 2/13/23 [at POR Trail Blazers]: +1000
- 2/28/23 [at MEM Grizzlies] or Later: +2500
- 2/15/23 [vs NO Pelicans]: +3000
- 2/23/23 [vs GS Warriors]: +8000
- 2/26/23 [at DAL Mavericks]: +15000
- 2/4/23 [at NO Pelicans]: +30000
Where Will LeBron Break The Scoring Record?
The way the schedule lined up, breaking the record while in Los Angeles was the heavy favorite. It’s also the ideal storyline for James. But, again, there is no lock in sports gambling.
Barring injury, sickness, or an uncharacteristic slump, home was the bet to make.
- Home: -360
- Road: +260
Odds and lines for the aforementioned betting markets will change after each game played.
