LeBron James matches Robert Parish with 1,611th career game

LeBron James tied an NBA record Thursday night, then went out and did what he always does.

He showed up.

James played in his 1,611th career game, matching Robert Parish for the most all-time, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in the Lakers’ 134-126 road win over the Heat.

This came after a game in Houston, a cross-country flight and a 5 a.m. hotel check-in. Add in treatment on that left foot, and yeah, most guys probably sit. James didn’t.

“If anyone is deserving of breaking the iron man record, I would say LeBron James is,” Parish told ESPN. “Because he takes such good care of himself.”

That’s the thing. This isn’t just about longevity. It’s about availability. Night after night. Year after year.

“It’s not something I set out to do,” James said. “You can’t be a leader … if you’re not available to your teammates.”

Now in year 23, still producing, still leading, still playing at an All-Star level. As Parish put it, “They got to make room for LeBron.”

At this point, that’s not really up for debate.