LeBron James thanks his mom for gifting him a mini basketball hoop at the age of 3, says his wife Savannah 'is the real MVP' and reveals he wanted 'to inspire' as LA Lakers honor him for making history

Before tonight's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Los Angeles Lakers held a second ceremony to honor LeBron James's recent scoring record.

 King James, who surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league's all-time top scorer, was honored by the Lakers once more.

 James Worthy, a Lakers great and Hall of Famer, presided over the event and began by congratulating LeBron. 

 "We cherish you."  That you broke the record while wearing a Laker jersey makes us happy.  And we are incredibly grateful for your character and contributions on the court," Worthy stated. 

 [And] particularly for the humanitarian work you have done and are now doing through your business and school.  We simply cannot express it enough.  Congratulations!

After being given the microphone, James spoke briefly about his sources of inspiration and how he arrived at this point. 

 On December 25, 1988, my mother got me a Little Tykes hoop when I was three years old.  Additionally, a picture of that Christmas present is truly making the rounds, James revealed.

 "I fell in love with basketball at that moment."  On December 30 of that year, I was going to turn four. 

 However, I knew then and there that I would always want that orange sphere to be a part of my trip.

And who would have thought that a $20 Little Tykes hoop could become what it is today? Someone on social media said that it was the largest investment in human history.  Thank you, Mom.  Many thanks.

 James introduced his family as "his starting five" and devoted more time to them during his wedding.

 "You know, my daughter Zuri has two boys, Bronny and Bryce."  "This is my starting five," he continued, "my mom, Gloria, my wife, Savannah."

"And if I didn't have the support and the dedication from my family that allowed me to do the things that I do on a daily basis, I wouldn't be out, I wouldn't be able to come on this court and showcase my talent to you guys every single night."

I wouldn't be standing up here, you know.  I wouldn't exist as I do now.  Without it, I couldn't motivate so many people worldwide. 

 "I couldn't motivate the Laker supporters."  If I didn't have the sacrifices and dedication from my beginning five right here, I wouldn't be able to encourage others.  Give them a round of applause, please.  Please.

 James officially surpassed Kareem for the top spot on the all-time NBA career scoring record two days earlier when he made a fadeaway jump shot from the left elbow.