LeBron James Praised by Robert Parish, Why Lakers Star Is 'Deserving' of NBA Games Record

LeBron James is closing in on another NBA legend's record.

The Los Angeles Lakers star played his 1,611th game on Thursday, tying Robert Parish for the most games played in NBA history.

Parish, who played 21 seasons, mostly with the Boston Celtics, said James is "deserving" of the record due to his work ethic and the care he puts into his body.

"If anyone is deserving of breaking the ironman record, I would say LeBron James is," Parish told ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Because he takes such good care of himself. … His approach to fitness and what he puts into his body reflects, or mirrors, how I felt about my fitness and what I ate, how I took care of myself. And so, it's a testament to not only my longevity, but LeBron's longevity."

While James will break Parish's record in the coming days, the Hall of Fame center will always be remembered as one of the league's ironmen, as he played 70-plus games in all but his final season. James hasn't had that kind of durability, dealing with a few injuries over the years, but his longevity is second to none.

Someone might eventually break James' record once he's retired, but it will likely be his for many years to come.