It seems like every time LeBron James plays in the NBA, he breaks another record for how long he has played or how many records he has set. But this one stands out.
LeBron broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for most minutes played in the NBA during the regular season and playoffs in the first half of Monday night’s game in Philadelphia. GOAT-level Kareem had played 66,297 minutes in his career, but LeBron’s ridiculously long career made that number go up against the Sixers.
When you consider that LeBron is in his 21st NBA season and has played at this level for so long, it’s amazing. He averages 25.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per night, shoots 38.5% from three-point range, and creates most of the Lakers’ shots. At his age, LeBron is never able to play at an All-NBA level like he is this season.
This season, the Lakers have needed all of that from LeBron. The plan to limit his playing time has mostly been thrown out in order to win. Which is good for LeBron because he wants to win.