LeBron James Surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Record for Most Career Minutes Played
In a historic achievement, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s longstanding NBA record for most minutes played in regular-season history during the Lakers’ 113-100 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. James surpassed the record by logging his 57,447th minute, eclipsing Abdul-Jabbar’s total of 57,446 minutes set in 1989.
The 38-year-old NBA veteran achieved this milestone 10 minutes into the game against Sacramento, the same team against which he made his NBA debut as an 18-year-old rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Reflecting on his achievement, James credited his unwavering dedication to his craft. “It’s just a commitment to the passion and love I have for the game,” James said postgame. “I don’t take much time in the off-season—though maybe a little more now—but my focus has always been on staying in peak condition, no matter the challenges.”
Over the course of his illustrious career, James has played over 1,500 games and logged nearly 12,000 minutes in playoff action, bringing his total time on the court to nearly 70,000 minutes. His longevity and resilience are remarkable, especially as he continues to perform at an elite level in his 22nd NBA season.
This record is not James’ first time surpassing Abdul-Jabbar in the NBA history books. In February 2023, James became the league’s all-time leading scorer, breaking Abdul-Jabbar’s previous record and amassing over 41,000 career points to date. Abdul-Jabbar, a six-time NBA champion and six-time Most Valuable Player, held both records for decades, further underscoring the significance of James’ accomplishments.
As he nears his 40th birthday later this month, James remains a dominant force in the league, consistently delivering stellar performances. His career has been defined by extraordinary durability, relentless work ethic, and an enduring love for basketball, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
