Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is still going strong, even though he has begun to take a back seat to fellow star Luka Doncic. At age 40, he is putting up impressive numbers, averaging 20.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists.
That is unprecedented, especially with him being in his 23rd season. In fact, he is the only player in NBA history to have played this many years. LeBron even recently broke the all-time games played mark, surpassing Robert Parish by playing in his 1,612th game.
A player does not break that mark without longevity and durability, and LeBron clearly possesses both. In fact, according to Dan Woike, LeBron has appeared in a staggering 88% of all eligible career games.
LeBron James had played in nearly 88 percent of the regular season games he's been eligible for. No one in league history, as of today, has played in more than him. https://t.co/z6XseKiquL
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) March 21, 2026
That makes him one of the most durable players in the history of the NBA. That is in addition to, arguably, being the best ever.
LeBron James' durability gives him another claim to being the GOAT
I am not interested in engaging in yet another tired discussion regarding the greatest NBA player of all time. If you believe it's Michael Jordan, great. However, it's becoming increasingly difficult to discount LeBron's longevity.
Even if critics want to say Jordan's peak was higher, LeBron's peak was certainly longer. Jordan played 15 seasons and played at an incredibly high level from start to finish
Nevertheless, his career had several stops and starts, including retiring twice. LeBron never did and has played season after season since 2003. That's insane, especially considering that there are quite a few NBA players who were born after he made his debut.
LeBron's durability makes up for a lack of titles in GOAT debate
Critics of LeBron will point out that Jordan won six championships in 15 seasons, and I'm not knocking that accomplishment. What I am pointing out is that LeBron has scored 10,000 points more than Jordan and played eight years longer at a high level.
That might not be exactly like winning a championship, but it should bridge the gap in GOAT discussions. LeBron has been better for longer, and that should matter.
What is even more impressive is that he is not yet done and could very well play another season. If he does, he will only be adding to an already strong case for him being the greatest NBA player of all-time.