Lakers’ LeBron James Breaks NBA Record for Career Minutes

Making every minute count 👏

LeBron James is officially 1st in all-time minutes played in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/I0hND1yRrA

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 20, 2024

A Night to Remember

LeBron James reached another milestone in his illustrious career after he surpassed fellow LA Lakers legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in career regular-season minutes in LA’s 113-100 victory over the Sacramento Kings. LeBron has now logged 57,471 minutes over 1,517 NBA games, equaling 37.8 minutes per contest, which moved him ahead of Kareem’s 57,446 minutes.

After the Lakers entered the locker room to celebrate their win, coach JJ Redick congratulated the 22-year veteran and future Hall of Famer in front of the team.

“They told me I’m old as hell and all that,” LeBron joked.

But James then became more reflective, stating, “It’s a pretty cool honor, obviously, anytime I’m linked with some of the greats that have ever played this game. I’ve been available to my teammates. I’ve been able to do this at a high level over two decades. And to continue to put myself in record books in this game of basketball that I love so much and in the best league in the world is pretty cool, and it’s very humbling.”

LeBron James reflected on becoming the all-time leader in NBA regular season minutes, adding to already being No. 1 in playoff minutes. How did his teammates react? “They told me I’m old as hell” pic.twitter.com/VlmcfydawM

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 20, 2024

The 39-year-old superstar is now the oldest active player in the league, and despite taking more time off than ever before to rest and heal nagging injuries, he is still a difference-maker when on the court. LeBron James’ stats reveal he is averaging 22.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 9 assists per game, all while shooting 48.6% from the floor.

When LeBron takes time off, the NBA betting odds are impacted as his presence on the court continues to command a great deal of respect despite some of the turmoil the Lakers endured earlier in the season. But those trials and tribulations have not affected LeBron James’ net worth of a staggering $1.2 billion.

Commitment to the Craft

When asked about how he maintains peak physical condition at his age, LeBron replied, “It’s just a commitment to the craft and to the passion and love I have for the game. I don’t take much time in the offseason. A little bit more time now.

“I didn’t take much time in the offseason, no matter if I was making the 10 Finals appearances back to back and just always trying to keep my body in tip-top shape.”

NBA rumors had percolated earlier in the year when losses came often that the Lakers were entertaining offers for both LeBron and fellow superstar Anthony Davis. But Los Angeles has won 3 of its last 4 games, and the ship appears to be righting with many professional handicappers now including the Lakers in their NBA picks today.

LeBron James passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most regular season minutes played 👑

Timeless ⏳ pic.twitter.com/wXZYPTR2iv

— ESPN (@espn) December 20, 2024

According to his teammates, it is not only what LeBron James does on the court but also his leadership in the locker room, on the sidelines, and in the middle of the action.

“His voice is what we missed the two games that he was out — on both ends of the floor,” said Davis, who finished with 21 points and season-highs in rebounds (19) and blocks (6) in Thursday’s blowout of Sacramento. “I mean, he’s a natural-born leader when it comes to the game, and when it’s time where it might seem chaotic, he’s able to kind of take control and just get us into something and we try to execute as good as possible.”

“For the group, I really felt like this might be my favorite win we’ve had all season,” Coach Redick said.