LeBron James Questionable Against Heat as He Approaches NBA Games Played Record

Lakers star dealing with left foot arthritis, may miss chance to tie Robert Parish's all-time mark.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:42pm

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James was listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Miami Heat as he approaches the NBA record for most regular-season games played. James is dealing with left foot arthritis and is just one game shy of tying Robert Parish's all-time mark of 1,611 games played. The Lakers said James, along with teammates Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, are also questionable due to various injuries.

Why it matters

LeBron James is on the verge of breaking one of the NBA's most prestigious records, held by Hall of Famer Robert Parish. This milestone would further cement James' legacy as one of the most durable and accomplished players in league history, though his status for the upcoming game is uncertain due to a lingering foot issue.

The details

James went 13-of-14 from the field in the Lakers' win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, tying the best shooting performance of his NBA career. However, he was also seen grimacing in pain after hitting his right elbow on the court late in the game. The Lakers then had a late arrival in Miami, landing at 3:59 a.m. on Thursday, which could impact James' availability against the Heat.

  • LeBron James is currently at 1,610 regular-season games played, one shy of Robert Parish's all-time record of 1,611.
  • Parish has held the outright record since April 6, 1996.

The players

LeBron James

A 19-time NBA All-Star and four-time champion who is on the verge of breaking the league's all-time games played record.

Robert Parish

A Hall of Fame center who holds the current NBA record for most regular-season games played at 1,611.

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What they’re saying

“No player is better deserving to break that Ironman record, that 1,611 games played record, than LeBron. He deserves it, in my opinion.”

— Robert Parish

What’s next

If James does not play against the Heat on Thursday, his next chance to tie the record would be on Saturday when the Lakers visit the Orlando Magic.

The takeaway

LeBron James' pursuit of the NBA's all-time games played record highlights his remarkable durability and longevity as one of the league's all-time greats. However, his status for the upcoming game against the Heat remains uncertain due to a lingering foot injury, potentially delaying his chance to make history.