LeBron James set a new record for the most minutes played in NBA history during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 113-100 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, marking his 57,447th minute on court. Reflecting on the achievement, the 39-year-old attributed the milestone to his “commitment to the craft.”
“It’s all about my dedication to the game and the passion I have for it,” James said. “My teammates joked that I’m ‘old as hell,’ but it’s a cool honor. Anytime I’m mentioned alongside some of the greatest to ever play this game, it’s special. I’ve been available for my teammates and have maintained a high level of play for two decades. It’s humbling to keep setting records in the game I love, in the best league in the world.”
LeBron James has been in the NBA since the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him as the first overall pick in the 2003 Draft, and he has been with the Los Angeles Lakers since 2018.
When asked whether breaking the scoring or appearance record was more meaningful, James said he couldn’t choose between the two. “They’re both special,” he said. “You set your mark and work to make things happen in the regular season to prepare for the postseason. It’s all part of the process.”
Reflecting on his career, James added, “I’ve had some deep playoff runs and played meaningful games in the postseason, so both records hold special significance. You can’t choose one over the other.”
This achievement adds to James’ legendary career, which also includes four NBA MVP awards and three Olympic gold medals, with his most recent helping the USA secure victory in Paris earlier this year.