LeBron James Hits Another Career Milestone in Thrilling Lakers-Kings Showdown
LeBron James continues to rewrite the NBA history books. In the Los Angeles Lakers’ 113-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night, James recorded 19 points, six rebounds, and seven assists while surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most regular-season minutes played in NBA history.
James Breaks the NBA Minutes Record
James spent 34 minutes on the court, pushing his career total to 57,471 minutes, eclipsing Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing record of 57,446 minutes. This remarkable milestone underscores James’ longevity, consistency, and ability to perform at an elite level throughout his 21-year career.
“This record is a testament to my commitment to the game and to always staying ready,” James said post-game. “I’m grateful for the journey and everyone who’s been part of it.”
Game Recap: Lakers vs. Kings
The Lakers (15-12) delivered a solid performance, fueled by a standout effort from Anthony Davis, who posted a 21-point, 20-rebound double-double. Austin Reaves led all scorers with 35 points, while D’Angelo Russell contributed 16 points, helping the Lakers secure their third win in four games.
The Kings stayed competitive throughout, narrowing the deficit to 93-90 after De’Aaron Fox hit a clutch jumper with eight minutes remaining. However, Reaves responded with a crucial bank shot, and Davis hit two free throws, sparking a 10-2 run that helped the Lakers pull away.
Key Performers
Los Angeles Lakers
– Austin Reaves: 35 points, key late-game baskets.
– Anthony Davis: 21 points, 20 rebounds, crucial defensive stops.
– LeBron James: 19 points, six rebounds, seven assists, NBA minutes record.
– D’Angelo Russell: 16 points, steady playmaking.
Sacramento Kings
– De’Aaron Fox: 26 points, five assists, three steals, driving force on offense.
– Domantas Sabonis: 18 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, near triple-double.
– Malik Monk: 17 points, perimeter scoring threat.
Key Turning Point
The game shifted in the fourth quarter when De’Aaron Fox picked up his fifth foul with 6:47 minutes left in the second half. Forced to sit, Fox’s limited playing time in the final minutes hindered the Kings’ chances of completing their comeback.
Despite Sacramento’s defensive improvements — holding the Lakers to 44 points in the paint, a major upgrade from the 76 points they allowed against Denver — the Kings couldn’t overcome their early struggles.
Post-Game Takeaways
Los Angeles Lakers
– Davis’ Resilience: Davis took a hard fall in the fourth quarter, staying down for several moments before limping back into the game. Despite dealing with left plantar fasciitis, he stayed active and delivered a critical defensive stop, underscoring his toughness and value on both ends of the court.
– Reaves’ Rising Star: Reaves’ 35-point performance highlights his growing offensive role. His clutch scoring down the stretch was pivotal in sealing the victory.
– James’ Milestone Celebration: Breaking the NBA minutes record adds another chapter to James’ historic career, reinforcing his standing as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Sacramento Kings
– Slow Starts Still a Problem: For the second consecutive game, a poor first quarter cost the Kings. Falling behind by 14 points early forced them into a catch-up mode they couldn’t sustain.
– Fox’s Foul Trouble: Fox’s limited minutes after picking up his fifth foul disrupted Sacramento’s rhythm in the critical final stretch. His absence on the floor allowed the Lakers to build a decisive lead.
– Improved Defense in the Paint: After a dismal defensive effort against Denver, the Kings allowed only 44 points in the paint, showing significant defensive improvement despite the loss.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers will look to build on this win as they continue their Western Conference campaign, while the Kings must address their slow starts and find ways to keep their stars out of foul trouble. With James continuing to defy Father Time and Davis playing at an All-Star level, the Lakers seem poised for another strong season.
