It almost feels like Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James makes some sort of history nearly every time he steps on the court. And on Thursday night, LeBron tied one of the toughest records anyone could ever reach, matching Hall of Famer Robert Parish with his 1,611th career game played.
This means that the next time James takes the court he will set a new record, surpassing Parish’s mark which was set 29 years ago. And Parish is happy that LeBron is breaking the record, believing that if anyone is deserving to do so, it is the Lakers’ superstar, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
“If anyone is deserving of breaking the iron man record, I would say LeBron James is,” Parish told ESPN during a phone call Thursday. “Because he takes such good care of himself. … His approach to fitness and what he puts into his body reflects, or mirrors, how I felt about my fitness and what I ate, how I took care of myself. And so, it’s a testament to not only my longevity, but LeBron’s longevity.”
Parish accomplished his feat in just 21 seasons, but was 43 years old when he retired in 1997. But he, like every other player who played 20 seasons, was nowhere near the level of performance that James is still at in his 23rd year. And Parish made it clear that LeBron has a seat at the table with the rest of the all-time greats:
“Oh, they got to make room for LeBron,” Parish told ESPN. “LeBron is an all-time great. They got to pull up an extra chair and tell some guys to slide over.”
James isn’t just out there getting cardio as he posted a triple-double of 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in the Lakers victory over his former team, the Miami Heat and for him to keep pulling out performances like this at 41-years old defies all logic.
There is simply nothing out of the realm of possibility when it comes to LeBron as he continues to break records while helping to push the Lakers towards a postseason run.
Lakers’ LeBron James discusses tying Robert Parish’s record for games played
The kind words didn’t just come from Parish as James also spoke highly of the Hall of Famer when asked about tying his record for games played and what it takes to accomplish something like this.
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