Sports

LeBron James plays all 82 games for first time in career

12 of April 2018

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James reaches out to teammates as he comes off the floor during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Monday, April 9, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson),Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James reaches out to teammates as he comes off the floor during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Monday, April 9, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

LeBron James has established a personal record by playing in all 82 regular-season games. James previously played in 81 games in 2008-09 but set a career high against the New York Knicks. Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said he tried to talk James out of playing but agreed to let him and will likely remove the 33-year-old from the game after he scores 10 points to extend his NBA record for consecutive games with double digits.

CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James has added another first to his remarkable career by playing in all 82 games.

James, who has broken personal and NBA records all season, played 81 games for Cleveland in 2008-09, but then-coach Mike Brown sat him for the Cavs’ regular-season finale to get rested for the playoffs.

The 33-year-old James never made playing every game a goal, but he accomplished the feat Wednesday night when the Cavs hosted the New York Knicks.

In his 15th season, James will finish leading the league in points and minutes played. He entered the finale averaging 27.7 points with career-highs in assists (9.2) assists and rebounds (8.7). He’s not expected to be named MVP as Houston’s James Harden remains the favorite.

James will also lead the Cavs in total points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.

Earlier this season, James eclipsed 30,000 career points and went past Michael Jordan’s record (866) by scoring in double digits in consecutive games. That mark is now at 872 games.

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