As LeBron James embarks on his 22nd season in the NBA, he continues to solidify his status as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
The all-time leading scorer, James boasts numerous records, including the most 20-point games and the most playoff appearances. This season is particularly special, as he is set to become the first player to share the court with his son in the league.
Reflecting on his journey, it’s astonishing to realize that when James entered the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the iPhone was still a concept in development. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp had yet to be invented, and electric cars were primarily the stuff of science fiction.
Through these profound changes, LeBron has remained a consistent force in the NBA, with aspirations to break even more longevity records.
What milestones are on the horizon for LeBron?
This season, LeBron is on the verge of matching Vince Carter’s record for the most years played in the NBA. However, unlike Carter, who played across four decades, James will not surpass that unique record.
Nonetheless, he has the chance to become the all-time leader in minutes played, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s impressive total of 57,446 minutes. This rivalry with Jabbar adds another layer to James’s legacy, particularly after he eclipsed Jabbar to take the scoring title, pushing his career points tally past 40,000.
While LeBron’s scoring achievements are remarkable, he faces challenges in surpassing other notable records. Currently, he has made 14,837 career field goals, trailing Jabbar’s 15,837. Additionally, to break Robert Parish’s record for the most games played (1,611), LeBron will need to remain healthy for at least two more seasons, potentially extending this achievement into the 2026 regular season.
Not all records are within LeBron’s grasp. Certain milestones – such as ranking fourth in all-time assists, third in free throws made, and fifth in triple-doubles – will remain out of reach unless he could somehow reverse the aging process.
Despite his impressive achievements, James’s longevity has also led to some less favorable statistics. He is the only player in NBA history to have over 2,500 missed free throws, three-point attempts, and two-point attempts. Additionally, he holds the record for the most career turnovers, exceeding 5,000.
Critics often highlight his six NBA Finals losses as a stain on his career. However, it’s essential to recognize that this statistic does not undermine his greatness; the honor of most Finals losses belongs to Jerry West, who lost eight times in the championship series.
As LeBron James continues to rewrite the history books, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see which records he will achieve in this new chapter of his illustrious career. Whether with the Lakers or beyond, his impact on the game remains undeniable, and his quest for greatness is far from over.
