LeBron James has broken the NBA record for most regular-season games played, taking the court for his 1,612th in the Los Angeles Lakers last-gasp 105-104 victory against the Orlando Magic.
The 41-year-old basketball icon’s appearance on Saturday night took him one clear of the mark of 1,611 held by Robert Parish since his retirement in 1997.
James was already the record-holder when factoring in his 292 playoff appearances, which brings his total up to 1,904 games.
It was a victorious record-breaking game as well, with the Lakers winning 105-104 off a game-winning 3-pointer from Luka Kennard. James finished the game with 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
James, playing his unprecedented 23rd season, already holds a host of NBA records, including points scored, field goals made and field goals attempted, and the longest streak of regular-season games with at least 10 points scored — 1,297 — in history.
James said his preparations for Saturday’s record-breaking performance had been no different to the previous 1,611 games.
“It was a regular prep day,” James said. “I know once I stepped on the floor that I was breaking the record, and that’s a pretty cool thing.
“I said the other night, the best thing you can do for your teammates is to be available, and I’ve tried to be available throughout my career, two decades plus, for my guys.”
Including playoff games, James has amassed a total of 1,904 fixtures during his career. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a distant second with 1,797 appearances, while Parish is third on 1,795.
