Overview
- James became the NBA’s all-time leader with his 1,612th regular-season appearance on March 21 against the Orlando Magic, a mark the league officially recognized.
- He tied Robert Parish at 1,611 two days earlier in Miami after overnight travel from Houston and despite being listed questionable with left foot arthritis.
- Parish congratulated James in interviews, calling him the deserving successor because of his meticulous care, fitness and longevity.
- Still producing at an All-Star level in Year 23, James entered the week averaging about 21.4 points, 6.8 assists and 5.6 rebounds and logged a triple-double in the tie-setting win over the Heat.
- The record comes as the Lakers ride a season-best eight-game winning streak and climb the Western Conference standings behind James’ leadership.