LeBron Makes NBA History, Joins Chris Paul, More in Record Books During Lakers vs. Suns to Wow Fans

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James joined John Stockton, Chris Paul and Jason Kidd as the only players in NBA history to amass 12,000 or more assists on Friday after finding center Deandre Ayton for a layup in the first quarter of their team's home game against the Phoenix Suns.

James had 11,998 assists heading into the night. Stockton leads the NBA all time with 15,806 dimes, followed by Paul (12,552) and Kidd (12,091). Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook joined the top five this year, and he entered Friday with 10,351 assists.

The 41-year-old, who is in his 23rd NBA season, has averaged 7.4 assists per game for his career and 7.1 APG in 2025-26. He notably led the NBA in assists (10.2 APG) while playing for the 2019-20 NBA champion Lakers.

Given his tremendous lifetime success and unprecedented longevity, James has been making waves in the record books this year.

Of note, he set the league's all-time games played record back in March, and he now has 1,621 for his career.

He also is No. 1 for the most made field goals in NBA history, a mark he also set in March. James entered Friday with 15,945 all time.

Now James has hit the 12,000-assist mark in the Lakers' second-to-last regular season game.