LeBron James to Tie NBA All-Time Games Played Record

MIAMI – LeBron James will be available for the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Miami Heat on Thursday night, putting him on track to tie Robert Parish for the NBA’s all-time record for regular season games played.

Injury Concerns Resolved

James had been listed as questionable earlier Thursday due to left foot arthritis. However, Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed approximately 90 minutes before tip-off that James, along with Luka Dončić (right hip soreness), are available to play.

Key Contributors Available

Austin Reaves (right forearm contusion) is also available for the Lakers.

Recent Performance

The three players combined for 84 points in the Lakers’ 124-116 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The Lakers arrived in Miami at 3:59 a.m. ET following that game.

Historical Context

James shot 13-of-14 from the field in Wednesday’s victory, tying his best shooting performance of his NBA career. This will be his 1,610th regular-season game, one behind Parish’s record.

“No player is more deserving of breaking that Iron Man record, that record of 1,611 games played, than LeBron,”

Robert Parish, Sirius NBA Radio

Parish has held the record since April 6, 1996, when he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He played 50 more regular-season games before retiring after the 1996-97 season.

James’ Continued Legacy

This achievement will be another milestone in James’ illustrious career, where he already holds the NBA record for points scored, minutes played, field goals made, and field goals attempted. He also holds the record for seasons played (23), All-Star selections (22), and All-NBA team selections (21).

If James does not play on Thursday, his next opportunity to tie the record will be on Saturday in Orlando.