LeBron James Extends Playoff Records in 19th Postseason Run

The 38-year-old Lakers star continues to cement his legacy as one of the NBA's all-time greats.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:11pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting the dynamic movements and record-breaking achievements of basketball player LeBron James, conceptually representing his lasting impact on the sport.LeBron James' unparalleled skill and longevity are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs his historic playoff run.Los Angeles Today

As LeBron James begins his 19th NBA playoff run with the Los Angeles Lakers, he will have the opportunity to extend his bevy of postseason records. The 38-year-old James is tied for the most playoff appearances in league history and leads all players in career playoff scoring, field goals made, minutes played, and assists.

Why it matters

LeBron James' sustained excellence and longevity at the highest level of professional basketball is a testament to his unparalleled skill, work ethic, and impact on the game. His continued dominance in the playoffs cements his status as one of the greatest players of all time and will inspire future generations of NBA stars.

The details

James will tie Karl Malone and John Stockton for the most playoff appearances with 19. He also leads all players in career playoff scoring (8,289 points), field goals made (8,229), minutes played (12,062), and assists (2,095). James is the only player in NBA history to score 40+ points in a game against all 30 teams and is one of just three players to record a triple-double against every franchise.

  • LeBron James will begin his 19th NBA playoff run on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • James broke the record for most regular-season games played earlier this season, surpassing 1,622 games.

The players

LeBron James

A 38-year-old forward for the Los Angeles Lakers and one of the greatest players in NBA history, with 4 NBA championships, 4 MVP awards, and numerous all-time records.

Karl Malone

A Hall of Fame power forward who played 19 seasons in the NBA and is tied with LeBron James for the most playoff appearances.

John Stockton

A Hall of Fame point guard who played his entire 19-year NBA career with the Utah Jazz and is tied with LeBron James and Karl Malone for the most playoff appearances.

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What they’re saying

“LeBron James' sustained excellence and longevity are unparalleled in NBA history. He continues to rewrite the record books and inspire the next generation of basketball stars.”

— Brian Martin, NBA.com Writer

What’s next

If the Lakers advance past the first round, LeBron James will have the opportunity to break the record for most playoff games played, surpassing the current mark of 300 set by Derek Fisher.

The takeaway

LeBron James' historic playoff run showcases his unmatched skill and longevity as one of the NBA's all-time greats, cementing his status as one of the greatest players to ever step on the court and inspiring future generations of basketball stars.