LeBron James tops another all-time NBA chart after smashing Kareem-Abdul Jabbar record
LeBron James, playing in his 22nd season in the NBA, broke another record previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, the four-time MVP tallied his 57,447th regular-season minutes to unseat Abdul-Jabbar, who has 57,446. The LA Lakers legend compiled his playing time in two fewer seasons than James.
The latest achievement by James is the second time in two straight seasons he overtook the six-time MVP in the all-time career rankings. King James also surpassed 'The Captain' in February 2023 as the leader in total points scored. James, named to his 20th All-Star Game last season, also moved clear of Abdul-Jabbar, who has 19.
LeBron James entered the Kings game trailing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar by nine minutes. He broke the record in the second quarter.
Ascending to the top of career regular-season minutes is another historic achievement by James, who also leads the NBA in career playoff minutes (11,858). Tim Duncan (9,370) is second in postseason minutes, while Abdul-Jabbar (8,851) is third on the list.
Unseating James atop the all-time career regular-season minutes will be tough. The only active player inside the top 40 is Chris Paul, who has 44,050 before the San Antonio Spurs game against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday. Russell Westbrook (42), Kevin Durant (44), DeMar DeRozan (47) and James Harden (56) are the active players inside the top 60.
LeBron James has more than half the season to add to his regular season minutes
The Lakers played their 27th game of the season when they visited the Sacramento Kings. If LeBron James stays healthy, he should pile more minutes to his career total. James has already missed three games this season due to a sore left foot but has largely been available.
The 20x All-Star has slowed down, but he remains an elite player. James, though, has said on multiple occasions that he would not play until the wheels fall off. If his 22nd campaign is last in the NBA, he still has more than half the season to keep playing.