LeBron James is questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers’ game in Miami on Thursday.
This means Robert Parish might keep outright possession of the NBA’s all-time games played record for a couple more days. The Lakers said James is dealing with left foot arthritis. Luka Doncic (right hip soreness) and Austin Reaves (right forearm contusion) are also questionable.
James Chasing Games Played Record
James went 13-of-14 from the field in the win against Houston on Wednesday night, tying the best shooting performance of his NBA career. It was the 1,610th regular-season game of his career, one behind Parish’s mark. If he does not play Thursday, James’ next chance to tie the mark will be Saturday in Orlando.
Parish has been the outright leader in career games played since April 6, 1996. He played in game No. 1,561 that night, breaking a tie with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top spot. Parish wound up playing 50 more regular-season games, then retired after the 1996-97 season.
Tough Turnaround for the Lakers
Those three players combined for 84 points in the Lakers’ 124-116 win at Houston on Wednesday night. The Lakers flew to Miami after that game, landing at 3:59 a.m.
That is later than most teams arrive in their next city when facing games on back-to-back days.
James’ Comments and Parish’s Praise
James hit his right elbow on the court in the final minutes of Wednesday’s win, remaining down briefly and grimacing in obvious pain. He told ESPN in the televised on-court interview after the game that he was hoping to play Thursday in Miami.
Miami is a city he called home for four seasons, during which he won the first two of his four NBA championships. Parish told Sirius NBA Radio earlier this week that no player is better deserving to break that iron man record than James.
“He deserves it, in my opinion,” said Parish.
The games played mark will be another entry on the long list of NBA records for James. He already has the league’s all-time top spot in a number of categories including points scored, minutes played, field goals made and field goals attempted. He’s also the NBA record holder with 23 seasons played, 22 All-Star selections and 21 All-NBA team selections.