LeBron James has a fresh ailment and is labeled as doubtful going into his next game, so it’s possible that Father Time is slowly getting to him. Up to five members of the Purple and Gold, including James, may miss the LA Lakers’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. The other players are Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis, and Cam Reddish.

James is reportedly struggling with a contusion on his left knee. He played through a calf contusion that he had previously sustained for most of the season. Despite being marked as doubtful for Thursday night, it’s possible that he will play through it considering how he overcame his prior injury.

If LeBron James plays through his ailments or stays healthy, he might break yet another record.

The oldest player in the NBA is LeBron James. He is currently in his 21st season of play and will be 39 on Saturday. It follows that James is likely the player with the most career games played. The record, held by Robert Parish, is still 1,611 career games.

If James had been more available throughout the previous three seasons, he could have easily beaten the record. Nevertheless, the King’s pursuit of the record was protracted due to his injuries. Even though LBJ’s father time is now catching up to him, it seems like he has a few more seasons left in him.

By the time James hits 42, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated predicts he will probably break the record. That is, if he is still competing in the NBA by then, and assuming he either stays injury-free or finds a way to play through them.

LeBron James has already stated that he hopes to play in the league with his son Bronny in the future. Given that Bronny is anticipated to declare for the 2024 NBA draft, it is quite likely that James will remain in the league for the upcoming season. What happens in the several years following his son’s first year is unknown.