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LeBron James to set another record at the start of Lakers' first-round series  
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23). Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

LeBron James to set another record at the start of Lakers' first-round series  

By Mike J. Asti  |  Last updated Apr 16, 2026 10:37 PM ET
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As par for the course at this point in his career, LeBron James will make history just by stepping on the court on Saturday. 

Because when the Los Angeles Lakers open their first-round series against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets, James will add another record to his legendary resume, especially when it comes to the playoffs. This postseason marks James' 19th appearance in the NBA playoffs, tying the Utah Jazz iconic duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton.

LeBron James will set a new record just by playing in his next playoff game 

And by playing, James will also be able to increase his place on multiple NBA postseason all-time lists, too. 

James is the NBA's leader in playoff points (8,289), games played (289) and wins (184).

James will be without his two best teammates 

But even with his legacy already secured, James will still be dealing with pressure during this postseason. At 41, James, an underdog for most experts, has the weight of the Lakers' world on his shoulders with star teammates Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to miss, or at least most, of the first-round series.  

A tall task, but James has shown he can still take over games when called upon. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games while shooting 51.5% from the field, a dip from his usual production but phenomenal for anyone at his age nonetheless. 

James' legacy is secured no matter what happens 

No matter what happens moving forward, and regardless if this postseason is his last, James' resume already includes four championships in 10 trips to the NBA Finals and four Finals MVP awards in addition to his statistics and the many big moments he's been part of throughout his 19 postseason out of his 21 overall seasons in the league. 

James and the Lakers will host the Rockets on Saturday, with the tip-off set for 8:30 p.m. ET and the game broadcast nationally on ABC. 

Mike J. Asti
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Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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