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LeBron James Becomes NBA’s All-Time Leader In Total Minutes Played

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James Foglio
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James Foglio Sports Editor

James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.

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Sports Editor

Updated28 Nov 2023

Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James Becomes NBAs All-Time Leader In Total Minutes Played

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most career total minutes played in NBA history during Monday night’s 138-94 blowout loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, combining 54,665 regular-season minutes and counting 11,654 playoff minutes.

James, 38, now has 66,319 career total minutes played in his 21st season, including regular season and playoffs. Abdul-Jabbar finished with 66,297 total minutes, followed by Karl Malone (62,759) and Kobe Bryant (57,278). The 19-time All-Star leads Tim Duncan (9,370) by 2,284 playoff minutes.

According to a few NBA betting sites, the Los Angeles Lakers hold seventh-shortest odds to win this season’s championship. Sportsbooks show better odds for the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors.


On the all-time list for regular-season minutes, James ranks third overall, trailing Abdul-Jabbar (57,446) and Karl Malone (54,852). However, it was not the only record set Monday night. James and the Lakers suffered a 44-point defeat, his most-lopsided loss of his 21-year career.

James and the Miami Heat were pummeled by 36 points in Game 3 of the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. The Indiana Pacers also defeated the four-time NBA champ and the Lakers by 42 in 2019.

LeBron James has 66,319 career total minutes played, trails two legends for most regular-season minutes

As for the minutes record, the four-time MVP couldn’t have cared less about it. “That doesn’t mean much to me,” James said when asked about the minutes mark.

Furthermore, James and the rest of the Lakers’ main rotation players were pulled for the remainder of the game with 8:18 remaining in the fourth quarter while trailing by 27.

It was the Lakers’ worst loss to the Sixers in 290 games in the series. Not to mention, this game was Philadelphia’s seventh straight win over L.A. It was the first time this season James was held without a rebound as well.

Additionally, the 76ers hit 22 3-pointers to just seven for the Lakers. Philadelphia ended the first half with 13 3-pointers, a season high for a half, on 26 shots. Philly shot 47-of-93 (50.5%) from the floor in its easy win.


As for the Lakers, they missed seven of their 10 3-point attempts in the half. L.A. went on to finish 7-of-28 (25%) shooting beyond the arc and 39-of-83 (47%) from the field.

“What needs to change in order for that not to happen again? Um, a lot,” James said.

Through 17 starts this season, LeBron James is averaging 25.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 33.6 minutes per game. The 19-time All-NBA member is also shooting a career-best 56.3% from the floor and 39.2% from downtown.

Referring to a couple of NBA sportsbooks, LeBron James holds ninth-best odds to win NBA Clutch Player of the Year this season. Oddsmakers are showing better odds for Damian Lillard, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and other stars.