LeBron James has climbed to the top of another one of the NBA’s all-time lists by playing the 57,447th minute of his career during the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Sacramento Kings. James is now the all-time leader in minutes played, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s 57,446.
LeBron becomes all-time leader in minutes played 🚨
NBA RECORD ‼️ pic.twitter.com/gPQ9cEZBzT
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 20, 2024
Kareem retired from the NBA in 1989, so this record has been standing for the last 35 years with many believing it was unbreakable when other longevity legends such as Karl Malone (54,852), Dirk Nowitzki (51,368), and Kevin Garnett (50,418) could not break it. James has already shattered many of Kareem’s records, including all-time points, most games played (season + playoffs), and most All-NBA selections, among others.
LeBron is rewriting the definition of longevity, as he’s performing at a higher level right now than any of his past contemporaries did at this point in his career. James tied Vince Carter for most NBA seasons played this season, so he’ll likely shatter that record as well if he suits up for the 2025-26 season.
In celebration of LeBron James (@KingJames) becoming the NBA’s all-time minutes player leader, here is a progressive timeline of the leaders in the category throughout @NBA history!
Check out all the basketball legends who appear on the graphic ⬇️📈🏀 pic.twitter.com/p0pKuaEVc7
— Greg Harvey (@BetweenTheNums) December 20, 2024
James knew he would be passing this mark in the Lakers game against the Kings tonight, discussing the feat before the game.
“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.”
He would have passed the mark earlier in the season if he didn’t miss games against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers earlier this month, which is what he eludes to by mentioning he’s having to take more time nowadays to be in the best possible shape. He has given the blueprint for longevity for a new generation of NBA players who will be knocking on the records he’s setting right now one day.
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