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MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat embrace on the court after their game at Kaseya Center on November 06, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Miami Heat in Florida.
The Lakers are on the second night of a back-to-back after defeating Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets by a score of 124-116.
LeBron James finished Wednesday’s victory with 30 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block while shooting 13/14 from the field in 34 minutes of playing time.
NBA Star LeBron James Made History
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat during the first half at Kaseya Center on December 04, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Despite being questionable for Thursday’s game, the 41-year-old was in the starting lineup against the Heat.
By playing, James made major NBA history.
ClutchPoints wrote: “LeBron James is playing his 1,611th career NBA game tonight, matching Robert Parish for the most all-time games played record 👏”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of their game against the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
James continues to break an abundance of the NBA’s records.
He is in his 23rd season in the league (and eighth with the Lakers).
Right now, James is averaging 21.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 51.4% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range in 48 games.
The NBA wrote before the game: “LEBRON NEARS GAMES PLAYED RECORD: LeBron James can tie the NBA record for regular-season games played as soon as tonight when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Miami Heat at 8pm/et on NBA League Pass.
With his next appearance, the 22-time All-Star will match Robert Parish (1,611 games).
James equaled the best shooting performance of his career last night, scoring 30 points on 13-of-14 from the field as the Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets to extend their winning streak to seven games.”
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers leaves the court after their loss to the Denver Nuggets during game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Lakers Enter Night On Fire
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Lakers have won seven games in a row (and nine out of their last ten).
They are currently the third seed in the Western Conference with a 44-25 record in 69 games.
After the Heat, the Lakers will visit the Orlando Magic on Saturday night in Florida.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
On the road, the Lakers have gone 21-13 in the 34 games they have played away from Crypto.com Arena.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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