Nationwide — LeBron James achieved another monumental milestone in his legendary career on Thursday night, becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in regular season minutes played. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 35-year-old record during the Lakers’ 113-100 victory over the Sacramento Kings at California’s Golden 1 Center.
“It’s a pretty cool honor,” James remarked after the game. “Obviously, anytime I’m linked with some of the greats to ever play this game and to know that I’ve been available to my teammates, to know that I’ve been able to do this at a high level for two decades and continue to put myself in record books in this game of basketball that I love so much, in the best league in the world is pretty cool and very humbling.”
Last season, James also became the NBA’s all-time leader in total minutes played, including playoffs, surpassing Abdul-Jabbar’s previous record of 66,297 minutes during a November 2023 game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
“They both are special,” James shared when discussing which record holds more significance for him. “I mean obviously you set your mark in trying to make things happen in the regular season to prepare for the postseason. It’s all part of the process, and you know I’ve been able to have some deep playoff runs and play some meaningful basketball games in my career and in the postseason. So they both have a special meaning; you can’t have one without the other.”
Thursday night’s milestone adds to the highly decorated career of one of basketball’s greatest players. Earlier this season, the four-time MVP achieved another historic feat by playing alongside his son, Bronny James, becoming the first father-son duo to take the court together in an NBA game.
LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is a four-time NBA champion and has made a record 20 All-Star appearances. Since being drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, his list of accomplishments continues to grow, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
At 39 years old, James is averaging 22.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and nine assists per game for the Lakers this season, demonstrating remarkable durability and longevity. His ability to perform at such a high level for over two decades not only sets him apart in the league but also inspires future generations of basketball players.
LeBron’s unprecedented career achievements extend beyond personal records. His leadership on and off the court, commitment to his teammates, and involvement in community initiatives have made him a role model and influential figure in the world of sports. As he continues to add to his illustrious career, LeBron James remains a testament to excellence, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of basketball.