On Thursday night, during the first quarter of the Lakers' game against the Sacramento Kings, LeBron James took a brief break from the action. As he walked off the court in the same city where he had played his very first NBA minutes over 21 years ago, little did anyone know that this would be his final walk before achieving yet another milestone in his legendary career. By the time he returned to the game in the second quarter, LeBron had etched his name in the record books again, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most regular season minutes played in NBA history.
The moment was a testament to his incredible longevity and commitment to the game. LeBron had just logged his 57,447th minute in the NBA, officially breaking the previous record held by Kareem, who had played 57,446 minutes. In the end, LeBron finished the game with a total of 57,471 career minutes after 34 minutes of play.
“It’s just a commitment to the craft and to the passion and love I have for the game,” LeBron said about the achievement that represents over 957 hours spent on the basketball court. It’s clear that for James, playing at the highest level for such an extended period is not just about physical ability but also about an unwavering dedication to his passion.
And while the milestone is a huge personal accomplishment, it was just another chapter in a game that LeBron continues to impact at a high level. The Lakers’ 113-100 win over the Kings was an example of that. Despite playing in a game where his shooting wasn’t as sharp as usual, LeBron still made key plays, including a pivotal chase-down block and crucial stops on defense. He also delivered a physical, game-clinching play, using his strength and experience to seal the victory for the Lakers.
Austin Reaves led the way with 25 points, while LeBron finished with 19 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Even when his shot wasn’t falling, LeBron remained a key figure in controlling the pace and flow of the game, helping guide his team to a hard-fought win. "I’ve been able to do this at a high level over two decades," James said. “And to continue to put myself in the 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.”
Anthony Davis also had a standout performance, even though he had a slower shooting night. Davis finished with 21 points, four assists, 18 rebounds (a season-high), and a staggering six blocked shots. He also added three steals. Despite shooting just seven for 20 from the field, Davis’ defensive presence was felt all over the court, and it’s a testament to how he can dominate a game without relying solely on his shooting. “He was phenomenal tonight,” said JJ Redick. “And it just shows you how elite he is as a player that he can have a seven-for-20 night and still dominate a basketball game.”
The timing of this record-breaking moment couldn’t be more fitting. LeBron’s minutes record comes at a time when the Lakers are deeply aware of his workload, especially given his recent physical setbacks. The star had missed two games and taken a week off to rest after experiencing discomfort in his left foot. During that break, LeBron took time to reset mentally and physically, and when he returned against Memphis, it was evident he had more energy, moving with greater fluidity on both ends of the floor.
Coach JJ Redick has also acknowledged the importance of managing LeBron’s minutes moving forward, especially as the soon-to-be 40-year-old continues to defy age with his remarkable performances. LeBron, for his part, seems open to the idea of adjusting his game time to prioritize long-term health. "I'm just not a guy that likes to sit games if I'm somewhat healthy. It doesn't matter. It's just, it’s never been my thing,” LeBron admitted. “If there’s an opportunity where it could benefit my body and benefit my play long-term for the better of the team, then I’m always open to having that conversation. So we'll see what happens.”
That willingness to rest when necessary could be a key part of maintaining his level of play for the rest of the season. The Lakers, who had three days off before facing the Kings, came out with a lot of energy, using their fresh legs to storm to an early 14-point lead. This was due in part to their vastly improved defense, which has become a hallmark of their play this season.
In the first quarter, the Lakers took full advantage of the Kings’ transition defense, creating numerous open looks from the perimeter. The Lakers drained seven three-pointers in the first quarter alone, and their shooting was key in establishing an early lead. But the game wasn’t without its challenges. The Kings mounted a comeback in the second quarter, even briefly taking the lead. But as the game progressed, the Lakers’ stars took control.
Austin Reaves was instrumental in the second quarter, getting to the free-throw line and hitting big shots to keep the Lakers in front. Davis once again outplayed Kings’ big man Domantas Sabonis, a player he’s now bested in consecutive games. And, true to form, LeBron James controlled the tempo of the game without needing to dominate it. Even though the Lakers’ shooting wasn’t flawless, the team’s defensive effort was what stood out the most. They limited Sacramento’s fast break opportunities and held the Kings to fewer than 100 points for the third time in four games.
“I really felt like this might be my favorite win we’ve had all season just because we weren’t efficient offensively,” said Redick. “But because of our crashing, because we limited them in transition, limited them to one shot – like all of the things that we’ve preached that give yourself a chance to win every night if you have an off-shooting night and an off-offensive night – we did tonight.” It’s a sign of a team that is figuring out how to win in different ways, and that adaptability will be key as the season moves on.
LeBron’s focus after the game was on celebrating the present, not dwelling on his latest achievement. When asked about the future, especially the upcoming rematch against the Kings, he kept it lighthearted, focusing on his immediate plans instead. “I just set the all-time (record) in minutes,” he said with a grin. “I’m not thinking about this next game yet. I’m about to get to this room, drink some wine, play some Madden, and chill…”
But soon enough, LeBron will be back on the court, and the minutes will keep stacking up. And as he has proven time and time again, whatever works, well – it’s worked. For LeBron James, breaking records is just another part of the journey.
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