LeBron James breaks record for most NBA games played LeBron James surpassed the NBA record for most regular-season games played on Saturday, reaching his 1,612th appearance when the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Orlando Magic. The milestone came after he passed the previous mark of 1,611, held by Robert Parish since his retirement in 1997. James, 41, had previously matched Parish's total on Thursday during a Lakers victory over the Miami Heat. The four-time NBA champion achieved the feat with a triple-double in the game, following a late-night flight from Houston to Florida. Teammate Austin Reaves, 27, praised James's dedication, calling him "insane" for maintaining such a high level of performance. Reaves noted that James's drive to excel is unmatched, even as he approaches the end of his career. "There's nothing left to prove, but he finds something to continue to motivate him," Reaves said. "That's not how he's wired." Playing his 23rd season, James already holds multiple NBA records, including points scored, field goals made, and field goals attempted. He also holds the longest streak of regular-season games with at least 10 points, spanning 1,297 contests. However, James emphasized that these achievements were not his primary goals when he began his career. "It's not like I'm writing things down or looking at the record books and saying, 'I'm going to get that,' " he said. "It just kind of happened." James clarified that his focus was always on being the greatest player in NBA history, winning championships, and earning accolades like Rookie of the Year, All-Star selections, and MVP awards. "Some of the stuff that has been happening over the course of the last few years has been super-duper cool," he added. Including playoff games, James has played a total of 1,904 fixtures in his career.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #orlando_magic #austin_reaves #robert_parish
LeBron James' participation in the Lakers' matchup against the Miami Heat remains uncertain as the team prepares for its eighth consecutive victory. The Los Angeles Lakers, currently on a seven-game winning streak, aim to extend their dominance in a Thursday night contest against the Heat. However, James' status for the game is listed as "questionable" due to left foot arthritis, with his final decision pending closer to tipoff. The injury report also notes that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are similarly listed as questionable, with Doncic dealing with right hip soreness and Reaves recovering from a right forearm contusion. If James is able to play, he would tie Robert Parish for the most regular season games played in NBA history, reaching 1,611 games. This milestone underscores his longevity and impact on the league. The Lakers' upcoming game in Miami follows a back-to-back schedule, with the team having defeated the Houston Rockets 124-116 on Wednesday. In that contest, James played 34 minutes, contributing 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. The matchup against the Heat will mark the second and final meeting of the season between the two teams, with the Lakers having previously defeated the Heat 130-120 in early November. The game's significance extends beyond the standings, as it represents a key moment in the Lakers' pursuit of a strong season. James' potential return would bolster the team's chances of maintaining its winning streak, but his absence could shift the dynamics of the contest. The outcome will also provide insight into the Lakers' depth and resilience as they navigate a challenging schedule. Meanwhile, the broader NBA landscape continues to evolve, with other players and teams facing their own challenges.#lebron_james #luka_doncic #los_angeles_lakers #miami_heat #austin_reaves
JJ Redick Believes Lakers’ Luka Doncic Is Not Being Talked About Enough Luka Doncic’s first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers has exceeded expectations, with the Slovenian star on track for his second career scoring title and ranking third in the NBA in assists. After overcoming early-season injuries, Doncic has surged to new heights, delivering a standout performance in the Lakers’ 12-point victory over the Chicago Bulls. In that game, Doncic scored a season-high 51 points while adding 10 rebounds, nine assists, and three steals, marking what Redick called his best game of the season. The win extended the Lakers’ winning streak to four games, and Doncic’s efficiency from beyond the arc was a key factor. He hit nine 3-pointers in the contest, continuing a strong stretch of shooting that has defined his recent play. Redick highlighted Doncic’s improved consistency, noting that the forward has maintained a high volume and high efficiency in his shooting since January. “He’s been high volume, high efficiency for about two-and-a-half months now,” Redick said. “It’s so important because it sets up the rest of his game when he’s making threes. It can be a kill shot some nights, it can be a run stop some nights.” Redick emphasized how Doncic’s ability to knock down long-range shots creates opportunities for his teammates, allowing the Lakers to transition into offensive flow. The coach also praised Doncic’s decision-making in the pick-and-roll, particularly his ability to find open teammates and create space for the Lakers’ offense. The game against the Bulls also featured a pivotal moment early in the contest, where Doncic’s play set the tone for the Lakers’ offensive success.#luka_doncic #los_angeles_lakers #jj_redick #austin_reaves #matas_buzelis
LeBron James Commends Luka Doncic's 'Generational' Performance in Lakers' Overtime Win The Los Angeles Lakers secured a dramatic 127-125 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets, with Slovenian star Luka Doncic delivering a standout performance that earned praise from teammate LeBron James. Doncic, 27, contributed 30 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds in his eighth triple-double of the season, leading the Lakers to their fifth consecutive win. The game-winning moment came as Doncic hit a step-back jump shot with 0.5 seconds remaining on the clock, sealing the win for his team. James, 41, lauded Doncic’s talent, calling him a “generational player” and highlighting his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments. “Just a big-time shot by a generational player,” James said, adding that Doncic’s game-winning contributions would be “just the first of many” during his time with the Lakers. The six-time NBA All-Star’s performance underscored his growing influence in the league, as he continues to elevate his game alongside James. The Lakers’ victory was bolstered by strong performances from other key players. Austin Reaves led the team with 32 points, while Marcus Smart added 21 points and five steals. James himself contributed 17 points in 40 minutes, showcasing his enduring impact despite his age. The win moved the Lakers up to third in the Western Conference, signaling their continued competitiveness in the league. A pivotal defensive play in the final moments of regulation added to the Lakers’ momentum. With 54.3 seconds remaining, James dove full length to block a potential offensive rebound for Denver, a move Lakers coach JJ Redick called unprecedented in James’ 23-year career.#lebron_james #luka_doncic #los_angeles_lakers #austin_reaves #marcus_smart
Luka Dončić hits wild fadeaway jumper to push Lakers over Nuggets in overtime The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 127-125 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, with a dramatic game-winning shot from Luka Dončić sealing the win. With six seconds remaining in the extra period, Dončić drained a difficult corner fadeaway, beating the clock and giving the Lakers the edge. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with the Lakers taking an early lead in the first half before the Nuggets surged in the third quarter to take control. Los Angeles fought back to narrow the gap, but the Nuggets held a slight advantage heading into the final moments of regulation. Austin Reaves then delivered a pivotal play by intentionally missing his second free throw, grabbing the rebound, and converting a tricky game-tying floater to force overtime. Overtime was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Denver’s Deandre Ayton scored twice inside, and Aaron Gordon hit a three-pointer to give the Nuggets a lead. However, Marcus Smart answered with a three-pointer to put the Lakers ahead. Nikola Jokić tied the game with a layup, setting the stage for Dončić’s heroics. Dončić finished the game with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists, while Reaves led both teams with 32 points. Jokić contributed 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists, and Gordon added 27 points for Denver. The win moved the Lakers to third in the Western Conference, bolstered by a fully healthy roster. It also marked the team’s fifth consecutive victory as the regular season approaches its final stretch. Denver, meanwhile, dropped to sixth in the standings after losing three of its past five games.#los_angeles_lakers #deandre_ayton #denver_nuggets #austin_reaves #luka_doni
Austin Reaves stripped clean late in Lakers win, report says The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report revealed a critical missed call in the Lakers’ overtime victory over the Nuggets, highlighting a pivotal moment in Saturday’s high-stakes matchup. With 9.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the Nuggets leading 116-113, Lakers guard Austin Reaves was fouled by Denver’s Spencer Jones after the ball was inbounded. According to the report, Jones cleanly dislodged the ball from Reaves, sending it out of bounds. However, the play was incorrectly ruled as a foul, allowing Reaves to step to the free-throw line. Reaves, who had already made one free throw, intentionally missed the second shot before grabbing the rebound and sinking a floater to tie the game. The Lakers then forced overtime, where Luka Doncic’s game-winning jumper sealed a 127-125 victory. The report noted that the strip should have resulted in a turnover, potentially altering the game’s outcome. Despite the controversial call, Reaves’ clutch performance in the final moments of regulation and overtime proved decisive. The sequence underscored the intensity of the Lakers-Nuggets rivalry, with both teams trading blows in a back-and-forth contest. Reaves’ ability to capitalize on the missed call and his composure under pressure highlighted his growing role as a key playmaker for the Lakers. The game’s dramatic finish, marked by a last-second tie and an overtime thriller, further emphasized the competitive nature of the Western Conference.#lakers #luka_doncic #nuggets #austin_reaves #spencer_jones
Lakers coach JJ Redick defines LeBron James’ role heading into 6-game trip LeBron James posted on social media with an eye-squinting emoji, captioning, “Might be it for diving for the year,” after a painful collision during Saturday night’s overtime win against the Denver Nuggets. Despite appearing to be in discomfort, James made a dramatic dive to recover a loose ball, a play Redick praised as a testament to his leadership. The move helped secure the Lakers’ fifth consecutive victory, marking a key moment in James’ return to the court after a three-game absence. Redick emphasized that James’ role has evolved since the return of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who have bolstered the team’s offensive firepower. While Doncic and Reaves have taken on more scoring responsibilities, James remains a critical playmaker, averaging 18.7 points in 10 games since the All-Star break. Redick noted that James’ high-usage role is still vital, even as the team adjusts to having three elite scorers in its rotation. “The best thing for our team is being the third-highest-used player,” Redick said, highlighting the challenge of finding balance among the trio. Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer, echoed Redick’s sentiment, calling James’ willingness to take on physical challenges “unbelievable.” The Serbian star praised James’ commitment to the team’s success, particularly after the Lakers’ buzzer-beater against the Nuggets. “It’s amazing to see,” Doncic said, reflecting on James’ impact as a leader who consistently prioritizes the team over individual accolades. Looking ahead to the final 15 games of the regular season, Redick stressed the importance of maintaining harmony between James, Doncic, and Reaves. In the 13 games since the All-Star break, Doncic has averaged 32.7 points, Reaves 21.1, and James 18.#lebron_james #luka_doncic #jj_redick #austin_reaves #maxi_kleber
Lakers’ JJ Redick Reveals Optimal Role for LeBron James Ahead of Home Stretch LeBron James, now past the age of 40, remains a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Lakers despite the physical toll of his career. While his impact on the court has evolved, the Lakers continue to rely heavily on his contributions, balancing his workload to ensure longevity. The team’s 42-25 record in the Western Conference places them third in a competitive division, but concerns about overusing James persist as they aim to secure a playoff berth and challenge for a championship. Head coach JJ Redick addressed these concerns ahead of a matchup against the Houston Rockets, emphasizing that James’ high-usage role is still critical to the team’s success. “He’s still going to be, and still has been, a high-usage player relative to your average player,” Redick said, per Benjamin Royer. The coach acknowledged that while the Lakers have occasionally needed James to carry the load due to injuries or lineup adjustments, their best performances come when he is fully engaged. Despite his age, James remains a dominant force, ranking third in scoring after the All-Star break with 18.7 points per game in 10 contests. He trails only Luka Doncic (32.7 points per game) and Austin Reaves on the team’s scoring leaderboard. Additionally, James contributes 5.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game, showcasing his versatility as a playmaker and finisher. His ability to distribute the ball has allowed Doncic and Reaves to thrive, reducing the burden on the veteran star. The Lakers’ pursuit of their first title since 2020 hinges on their ability to manage James’ minutes and maintain his effectiveness. With the playoffs approaching, the team faces the challenge of balancing his role as both a scorer and leader.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #jj_redick #austin_reaves #houston_rockets
Lakers get last laugh as fan favorite Celtics dumped is thriving in Los Angeles Marcus Smart has become a key contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers, proving that his trade from the Boston Celtics in 2023 was a strategic move for both teams. After the Celtics moved him to the Grizzlies and eventually to the Wizards, the Lakers acquired him for just $5.1 million this season, a stark contrast to his $19 million salary in Boston. Smart’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc has made him a valuable asset, as he is now hitting 39.0% of his 123 three-point attempts over the last 28 games. His 4.4 attempts per game have been complemented by his defensive presence, making him a perfect fit for a team that needed perimeter shooting and hustle. The Lakers’ recent five-game win streak has fueled speculation that they could be a surprise title contender. Smart’s performance has been a major factor, as his open looks are often left unchallenged by the defense of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. His ability to space the floor and create opportunities for his teammates has elevated the Lakers’ offensive game. Meanwhile, the Celtics, who won a championship in 2024, are still a serious title threat with Jayson Tatum back in the fold. Tatum’s return has reignited hopes for a deep playoff run, and the Celtics’ roster is now stacked with talent. Despite their success, the Celtics have no regrets about trading Smart, who was seen as a declining player in his early 30s. Instead, Smart has defied expectations, showing that he can still impact a contender. His energy, leadership, and defensive versatility have made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles, where he has embraced the challenge of proving the Celtics wrong.#boston_celtics #lakers #michael_jordan #lebron_james #austin_reaves
Is Luka Doncic Playing Tonight vs the Chicago Bulls? Latest Update on the Los Angeles Lakers Star's Injury Report Luka Doncic is expected to play for the Los Angeles Lakers in their matchup against the Chicago Bulls on March 12, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena. The Slovenian guard, who joined the Lakers in February 2025 after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, has been a key contributor to the team’s offense since his arrival. The latest injury report released on March 12 confirms that Doncic has no issues and is fully available for the game. He is anticipated to take on his usual role as the team’s primary ball handler, continuing his impact on the court. The Lakers enter the game with a record of 40 wins and 25 losses, having recently secured victories against the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. These wins have helped the team build a short winning streak ahead of the matchup. In contrast, the Chicago Bulls have struggled this season, posting a 27-38 record. The Bulls have faced multiple injuries throughout the year, leading to a depleted roster and challenges in maintaining consistent performance. Doncic’s injury status has been a focal point for fans and analysts. Earlier in February, he experienced leg soreness, but the issue has since resolved. He has participated in recent games and is now fully cleared to play. This season, Doncic has averaged 23.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. Since joining the Lakers, he has formed a strong partnership with Austin Reaves in the backcourt, sharing playmaking duties and contributing to the team’s offensive success. The Lakers’ injury report for the game includes several key players. LeBron James is listed as questionable due to a right hip contusion and ongoing left foot arthritis.#luka_doncic #los_angeles_lakers #austin_reaves #crypto_com_arena #chicago_bulls
Nikola Jokic, Nuggets Survive Lakers' Late Rally Without Top Four Forwards The Denver Nuggets overcame a late-game surge by the Los Angeles Lakers to secure a 120-113 victory on Thursday, keeping them 1.5 games ahead of the Lakers for fifth place in the Western Conference. Despite a lackluster performance and a critical shortage of key players, Nikola Jokic’s resilience and clutch play proved decisive in the high-stakes matchup. Jokic, who finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists, overcame nine turnovers to lead the Nuggets. His ability to tighten up in the final minutes of the game was pivotal, as he scored four consecutive points after Austin Reaves missed a potential game-tying free throw with 2:05 remaining. The Lakers, known for their clutch performances, mounted a late rally but were unable to overcome Denver’s defense. Marcus Smart’s missed 3-pointers and the Nuggets’ effective containment of Luka Doncic further stifled the Lakers’ comeback efforts. The Nuggets’ struggles were compounded by the absence of their top four forwards, including Jamal Murray, who matched Jokic with 28 points, and Christian Braun, who played a team-high 40 minutes. Julian Strawther added 18 points, while Braun’s efforts to limit Doncic’s impact were critical. The Lakers’ reliance on Doncic and LeBron James, who broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record with a baseline jumper in the first quarter, highlighted the challenge Denver faced. Denver’s early dominance set the tone, as they jumped out to an 11-0 lead and maintained control despite the Lakers’ adjustments. The Lakers’ center, Deandre Ayton, was forced to exit with a knee injury in the first half, and Jaxson Hayes took over as their primary big.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #denver_nuggets #nikola_jokic #austin_reaves
Luke Kennard Relishes Creating ‘The Blender’ for Lakers SAN FRANCISCO — After a game in which the Lakers’ three best players—Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves—each delivered strong performances, the team’s newest addition, Luke Kennard, received the first name drop from coach JJ Redick following a blowout win over the Warriors on Saturday night. Redick praised Kennard’s ability to “start the blender” for the Lakers, a term used to describe players who create opportunities for teammates. “We frankly have not had a ton of blender starters,” Redick said, highlighting Kennard’s role in unlocking the offense. The play that exemplified Kennard’s impact occurred around the 7:14 mark of the fourth quarter. Kennard faked a back screen for Jake LaRavia before flying off a pindown from Maxi Kleber and positioning himself beyond the 3-point arc in screen-the-screener action. This forced Warriors big man Quinten Post to step out and close out on Kennard, who has shot 44.2% from beyond the arc in his career and is at a league-best 49.1% this season. Kennard used his speed to drive past Post, forcing the Warriors’ defense to collapse inside, before kicking out to Jarred Vanderbilt in the weakside corner. Three passes later, Kennard capitalized on the setup, knocking down a step-back 3 over Gui Santos. Redick emphasized the significance of Kennard’s play, noting that while Doncic, Reaves, and James often dominate possessions, Kennard’s ability to create space and make the right read was crucial. “Just to be able to create a closeout and then make the right read and right play from there … Luke was huge for our offense,” Redick said. Kennard’s performance in the game was his highest scoring total since joining the Lakers on February 5, with 16 points (6-of-10 shooting, 4 of 7 on 3s).#warriors #lebron_james #luka_doncic #jj_redick #austin_reaves
Marcus Smart Joins Lakers for 2025-26 Season Marcus Smart has signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 NBA season, aiming to move past a recent stretch of injuries and inconsistent performances. The veteran guard, who previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, appeared in 34 regular-season games last year, averaging 9.0 points, 3.2 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while shooting 39.3% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc in 20 minutes per game. His career has been hampered by recurring injuries, limiting him to just 54 regular-season contests over the past two years and disrupting his ability to establish a consistent rhythm. After agreeing to a buyout with Washington in July, Smart joined the Lakers to add depth to their backcourt and provide a reliable veteran presence. The Lakers’ starting guard positions are secured by superstar Luka Doncic and rising star Austin Reaves, but uncertainty remains behind them. Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and Bronny James are all vying for rotation roles. At 31, Smart may not offer the same offensive upside as younger options, but his defensive prowess remains a key asset. A three-time All-NBA Defensive Team selection and 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year, Smart is expected to serve primarily as a defensive specialist, contributing occasional scoring bursts while relying on steady defense to elevate his team’s performance. Smart’s NBA journey began with a first-round draft pick in 2014, where he was selected sixth overall by the Boston Celtics. Over his career, he has consistently been a defensive anchor, earning recognition for his tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions.#luka_doncic #los_angeles_lakers #austin_reaves #marcus_smart #youngamechanger_foundation
