3 NBA Records LeBron James Can Still Break (and 1 He Can’t)
At 39 years old, LeBron James continues to defy age and expectations in the NBA. Having already shattered numerous records throughout his career, “The King” has proven that he is far from done. However, even with his legendary status, there are some records still within his grasp, while others seem just out of reach.
1. Most NBA Championships: Bill Russell’s Record of 11 Titles
LeBron’s current total of four NBA championships puts him in elite company, but Bill Russell’s 11 titles with the Boston Celtics (1957-1969) seem almost untouchable. Yet, there’s a small window of opportunity. With the Lakers retooling and adding talent around LeBron, a few more titles aren’t out of the question—especially if the team finds its groove. If James can stay healthy and the Lakers keep surrounding him with complementary stars, five or six championships are feasible. Still, catching Russell’s 11 seems impossible unless LeBron miraculously plays into his mid-40s with the same level of dominance. While fans may hope for another title or two, it’s safe to say this record will remain firmly in Russell’s grasp.
2. Most Career Minutes Played: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
As of October 2024, LeBron James has logged over 66,000 total minutes (regular season + playoffs) on the court. The current all-time record holder is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with an astounding 66,297 minutes. LeBron is expected to surpass this milestone in the 2024-2025 season, barring any major injury setbacks. Considering his current form and his incredible ability to maintain longevity in such a physically demanding sport, this is a record LeBron is likely to break. His consistent high-level performance, even after 21 seasons, has shown that age is just a number for him.
3. Oldest Player to Score 50+ Points in a Game: Jamal Crawford’s Record
In 2019, Jamal Crawford, at 39 years and 20 days old, set the record as the oldest player to score 50 points in an NBA game. LeBron has already scored over 50 points multiple times in his career, with his most recent 50+ point game coming in 2022 at age 37. If LeBron continues his career into his 40s, it’s entirely plausible that he could challenge Crawford’s record, especially with the way the game has evolved, favoring high scoring performances. Even if his scoring dips slightly due to age, LeBron’s ability to explode for big games on occasion makes this record a real possibility.
4. All-Time Assists Record: John Stockton’s 15,806 Assists (A Record He Can’t Break)
LeBron James is known for his exceptional court vision and playmaking, currently ranking 4th on the all-time assists leaderboard. But John Stockton’s 15,806 career assists are miles ahead of anyone else. LeBron has just over 10,000 assists, but he would need several more seasons of averaging around 10 assists per game to come even close to Stockton’s mark. Given his scoring responsibilities and age, it’s highly unlikely he can maintain the level of production needed to catch Stockton. Not to mention, Stockton’s record was built on 19 seasons of playing nearly every game, something LeBron simply doesn’t have the luxury of in the modern era. Stockton’s assists record is one of the most unbreakable in sports, and LeBron will have to be content with being among the top 5 in this category.
Conclusion
While LeBron James continues to etch his name in the history books, not every NBA record is within his reach. His pursuit of more championships and personal milestones keeps fans on the edge of their seats, but the shadow of records like Stockton’s assists and Russell’s rings remind us that even the greatest have limits. Yet, with his dedication to fitness and an unrivaled basketball IQ, the records LeBron is chasing are only a matter of time before they fall—except for the few that seem untouchable,even for “The King.”