LeBron James Breaks NBA Games Record As Lakers Beat Magic

American basketball icon, LeBron James, set a new NBA record for most regular-season appearances after playing his 1,612th game in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 105-104 win over the Orlando Magic earlier today, March 22.

LeBron James, 41, moved past Robert Parish, whose tally of 1,611 had stood since 1997. James had equalled the mark on Thursday in a win over Miami.

The milestone came in dramatic fashion. Orlando led 104-102 with three seconds remaining before Luke Kennard hit a three-pointer with 0.6 seconds left to seal the win and extend the Lakers’ winning run to nine games.

The result lifted the Lakers to 46-25, strengthening their position in third place in the Western Conference.

James finished with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 33 points but received his 16th technical foul of the season, which carries an automatic suspension for Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. Austin Reaves added 26 points.

“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.”

James, now in his 23rd season, also holds the league records for total points, field goals made and attempted, and the longest streak of games with at least 10 points.

Including playoff games, he has played 1,904 matches in his career. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is second on 1,797 appearances, with Parish third on 1,795.