LeBron passes Kareem in wins

James notched career win No. 1,229 in the Lakers’ 127–113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 31, 2026. (espn.com) That 1,229 total breaks down to 1,045 regular‑season wins and 184 playoff victories, one more than Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar’s 1,228 combined wins. (sports.yahoo.com) The win pushed the Lakers to 50–26 on the season and extended a run in which Los Angeles had won 13 of 14 games; the club clinched a playoff spot and the Pacific Division earlier in the night after the Phoenix Suns’ loss. (espn.com; deadspin.com) James is 41 years old and is playing his 23rd NBA season after formally opting in to his 2025–26 deal, making him the first player in league history to reach Year 23. (nba.com; espn.com) In the March 31 game James contributed 14 points, five rebounds and six assists while teammate Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 42 points and 12 assists. (espn.com) The NBA acknowledged the milestone on its X account after the game, and the milestone arrived amid a season in which James has also overtaken Abdul‑Jabbar in other counting categories — most recently career field goals made, per the league’s own update. (newsweek.com; nba.com)