LeBron James Makes History: Surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Lebron James & Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
LeBron James has once again etched his name in the history books. On Thursday night, during the Los Angeles Lakers' 113-100 victory over the Sacramento Kings, James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most regular season minutes played in NBA history. A feat that seemed nearly unreachable, given the durability and longevity of Kareem’s 20-year career, has now been claimed by LeBron in his 22nd season, showcasing the incredible staying power of the King.
A New Milestone for an Ageless Legend
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record of 57,446 minutes stood for decades as a testament to his enduring presence in the game. But with 34 minutes played in Thursday's game, LeBron pushed his career total to 57,470 minutes, breaking the mark and setting a new standard.
As LeBron ages like fine wine, it's impossible not to be in awe of his consistency. Despite the fact that this is his lowest scoring average since his rookie season, at 22.6 points per game, LeBron remains one of the most impactful players in the league. He’s still contributing in a major way, averaging 7.9 rebounds and 9.0 assists at 39 years old. LeBron turns 40 in just 10 days, on December 30th, making this milestone even more impressive considering the physical demands of playing at such a high level for so long.
Lebron James
A Career Full of Accomplishments
LeBron’s longevity isn’t just measured by minutes played. His resume is packed with accolades, including 4 NBA championships, 4 MVPs, and 20 All-NBA selections. His success isn’t limited to the regular season—LeBron has been instrumental in leading teams to numerous NBA Finals appearances and has earned 4 Finals MVPs along the way. He’s also a 6-time All-Defensive Team member, showcasing his commitment to excellence on both ends of the floor.
As one of the most complete players to ever step on the court, LeBron’s career is a textbook example of what it takes to maintain greatness for more than two decades.
What’s Next for LeBron and the Lakers?
Though LeBron’s historic milestone is a huge achievement, the Lakers' season has been a bit more complicated. With a current record of 15-12, they’re hovering around the middle of the league and are on pace to need to navigate through the Play-In Tournament to secure a spot in the postseason. Despite LeBron’s brilliance, the team has struggled with consistency and is still searching for the right balance.
As LeBron approaches his 40th birthday and continues to break records, the Lakers' hopes for another championship run may depend on their ability to turn things around. LeBron’s individual performance remains elite, but with 55 games still left in the regular season, the Lakers will need to find their rhythm if they hope to compete at the highest level and make a deep playoff push.
