LeBron James becomes player with most career points against Bulls

LeBron James did what he does against the Bulls on Sunday — score.

James hit his first bucket of the game, a three-pointer, to give him the most career points of anyone against the Bulls. He finished with 22 points and now has 1,916 in 70 career games.

He told reporters that he had no idea that he had done it. The NBA posted his accomplishment on social media. Otherwise, perhaps no one would’ve known.

“He’s still an elite player,” Bulls coach Tiago Splitter said. “We battled a couple of times on the court, [NBA] Finals and all that. He probably has the best career ever. Can’t believe that he’s still doing this. We have the same age, and I’m here coaching.”

James, 41, is in his 24th NBA season and first with the 76ers, his fourth team. He has played against the Bulls more than any other team, thanks to his 15 seasons with the Eastern Conference-rival Cavaliers and Heat. He has played 69 games against the Pacers and Pistons. James will face the Bulls two more times this season, the next coming Jan. 23 in Chicago.

His eventual Hall of Fame career includes four NBA championships, four NBA Finals MVP Awards and four regular-season MVP Awards. He also became the league’s all-time scoring leader in 2023, when he passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Claxton returns from injury

Center Nic Claxton made his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury he suffered in the first week of training camp. With a restriction on his minutes, Claxton had four points, four rebounds and four assists in over 17 minutes.

“I needed the restriction today,” Claxton said. “I was a little tired.”

“He was gassed out there, which is normal for his first real game after a month,” Splitter said.

“I think Nic had issues on the boards there with [Joel] Embiid and the other guys. [Jabari] Walker grabbed a bunch, too.”

Claxton said he didn’t feel any effects from the injury, which he said was his first time dealing with a strained muscle. Claxton, an eighth-year veteran, is in the third year of a four-year, $97 million contract he signed with the Nets. The Bulls acquired him in a trade in June.

“I just wanted to finish the game,” he said. “You see people coming back and in their first game they’re getting them. So I’m happy that I’m all good.”

Essengue making strides

Forward Noa Essengue, the Bulls’ 2025 first-round pick, had 10 points, scoring in double figures for the second time this season. He was very active, pulling down seven rebounds, including three on offense, and contesting shots. But he still has a ways to go in his development.

“Noa is a young fellow that is learning how to pressure the ball, how to navigate screens,” Splitter said. “I thought that he had good moments on their guys. Of course, he made some mistakes.”

Essengue played with Claxton, who has been impressed with the youngster, the last first-round pick made by the previous regime under Arturas Karnisovas.

“He has all the intangibles — quickness, length,” Claxton said. “Now he’s got to put it all together. He’s got a lot of room to grow, but I think he can be great in the league.

“It’s impressive how he’s able to pick up guards full court at 6-9, 6-10. A lot of dudes can’t do that. That’s one of his superpowers.”

Collins still sick

Center Zach Collins didn’t play because of a respiratory illness. He had missed the last two days of practice, as well.