Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James became the ​fourth player in NBA history to ‌record 12,000 career assists ​with his second ⁠helper of the first quarter during Friday night’s home game against ‌the Phoenix Suns.

No. 12,000 came when James ‌collected a rebound on ‌the ⁠defensive end and ⁠threw a long chest pass to the other end. Deandre Ayton caught ​the ball ‌over the smaller Collin Gillespie and put it in the hoop with 7:49 left ‌in the quarter.

Former Utah ​Jazz star John Stockton is the all-time ⁠leader with 15,806 career assists. Recently retired Chris Paul (12,552) is ‌second and Jason Kidd (12,091) stands third.

The 41-year-old James would surely pass Kidd if he returns next season. Chances of catching Paul ‌would depend on his health ​and the number of games he plays.

James was ⁠averaging 7.1 assists per game ⁠entering Friday’s action and the contest marks his ‌59th of the 2025-26 season.

For his career, James ​averages 7.4 assists per game.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Published on Apr 11, 2026