LeBron James passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leader in minutes played

On By Littum

LeBron James is running out of NBA records to break.

By staying on the court for at least nine minutes Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers star became the NBA’s all-time game leader, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing mark of 57,446. Chris Paul (44,050) is the only other active player with at least 40,000.

James’ career minutes totaled 57,471 after posting 34 on Thursday, also recording 19 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a 113-100 win over the Sacramento Kings.

James, who turns 40 on Dec. 30, had already surpassed Abdul-Jabbar in points more than a year ago and is still conceding field goals. Abdul-Jabbar retired with 15,837, while James entered Thursday with 15,045.

Notably, James was the NBA leader in combined regular-season and postseason minutes before Thursday. With 69,295 minutes logged in games that count, James has spent about a month and a half on an NBA court. The total is higher than the career marks of James Worthy and Dennis Rodman combined.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers points back on the bench of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Golden 1 Center on December 19, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers points back on the bench of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Golden 1 Center on December 19, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

LeBron James has spent two careers on an NBA court. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Each milestone further cements James as one of the greatest players to ever pick up a basketball, but this record comes at a volatile time for the Lakers. After an encouraging start, the team has lost eight of its last 13 games. The normally steady James missed two of those games with a foot injury and returned Sunday.

This season could be significant for James, and not just because he was finally able to play with his son Bronny. After winning the title in 2020, the Lakers have had their struggles trying to compete with James as their top player, going so far as to hire his podcast partner JJ Redick as their head coach despite an almost total lack of coaching experience. More than most years, their success in 2024-25 will come down to James and what his influence brings them.

James could also enter free agency this offseason if he declines his $52.6 million player option or simply retires after years of speculation.