LeBron, Doncic, and Reaves uncertain for Lakers matchup with Heat
MIAMI — LeBron James has been designated as questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers’ matchup in Miami on Thursday, which implies that Robert Parish may retain sole ownership of the NBA’s all-time games played record for a few more days.
The Lakers reported that James is experiencing left foot arthritis. Also listed as questionable are Luka Doncic (right hip soreness) and Austin Reaves (right forearm contusion).
These three athletes collectively scored 84 points in the Lakers’ 124-116 victory against Houston on Wednesday night. Following that game, the Lakers traveled to Miami, arriving at 3:59 a.m. — later than most teams typically reach their next destination when facing back-to-back games.
In the win, James shot 13-of-14 from the field, matching the best shooting performance of his NBA career. This marked the 1,610th regular-season game of his career, placing him one game behind Parish’s record.
James struck his right elbow on the court during the closing minutes of Wednesday’s game, remaining down for a brief period and showing visible discomfort. He mentioned to ESPN in a televised on-court interview after the game that he was optimistic about playing Thursday in Miami — a city he called home for four seasons, during which he secured the first two of his four NBA championships.
Parish, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003, has held the outright record for career games played since April 6, 1996. On that night, he participated in game No. 1,561, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top position.
Parish ultimately played 50 additional regular-season games before retiring after the 1996-97 season. He began his NBA career with Golden State, spent over a decade with Boston, and concluded his 21-season tenure with Charlotte and Chicago.
“No player is more deserving of breaking that iron man record, that 1,611 games played record, than LeBron,” Parish stated on Sirius NBA Radio earlier this week. “He deserves it, in my opinion.”
The games played milestone will be yet another addition to the extensive list of NBA records held by James, who already occupies the league’s all-time top positions in several categories, including points scored, minutes played, field goals made, and field goals attempted.
He also holds the NBA record for 23 seasons played, 22 All-Star selections, and 21 All-NBA team selections.
If he does not participate on Thursday, James’ next opportunity to tie the record will be on Saturday in Orlando.
