LOS ANGELES — On Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena, and the spotlight will once again shine brightly on LeBron James as he stands just two assists away from a monumental career milestone.
James recorded his 12,000th career assist during the Lakers’ most recent victory, a 119-103 win over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Thursday. The 41-year-old superstar finished that contest with 26 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, and one block on efficient 11-of-17 shooting from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, in 32 minutes of action.
With one more game remaining before the regular season concludes, James now sits just two assists shy of becoming the first player in NBA history to reach 12,000 career assists.
Real App captured the anticipation perfectly: “LeBron James is now 2 assists away from reaching 12,000 career assists 🤯”
A Historic Season for an Ageless Superstar
Even at 41 years old and in his 23rd NBA season — his eighth with the Lakers — James continues to defy Father Time. He is currently averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game across 58 appearances this season, while shooting an impressive 51.5% from the field.
His basketball IQ, vision, and playmaking ability remain elite, allowing him to orchestrate the Lakers’ offense with the same precision that has defined his legendary career.
Lakers Positioned for Strong Finish
The Lakers enter Friday’s matchup as the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a solid 51-29 record after 80 games. They have won six of their last ten contests and boast a strong 26-13 home record at Crypto.com Arena.
Following the Suns, Los Angeles will wrap up the 2025-26 regular season on Sunday when they host the Utah Jazz.
While injuries to key contributors Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic have tested the team’s depth this season, the Lakers have still managed to remain competitive among the Western Conference’s top teams. Last postseason, they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round, but this year’s squad has shown resilience and the potential to make a deeper playoff run if healthy.
Suns Looking to Close Season Strongly
The Phoenix Suns arrive in Los Angeles as the seventh seed in the West with a 44-36 record. After a difficult 2025 campaign, the Suns have pleasantly surprised many this season under head coach Jordan Ott, showing improved competitiveness and fight throughout the year.
Phoenix will conclude its regular season on Sunday with a road matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A Night Poised for History
For Lakers fans and NBA enthusiasts alike, Friday night’s game carries extra weight. Should James notch just two assists against the Suns, he will etch his name even deeper into the record books as the first — and likely only — player ever to reach the 12,000-assist plateau.
At an age when most players have long since retired, LeBron James continues to rewrite what is possible in the NBA. Whether he reaches the milestone early in the game or needs the full 48 minutes, one thing is certain: the basketball world will be watching closely as one of the greatest players of all time chases yet another historic achievement.
The Lakers-Suns showdown tips off Friday night in Los Angeles.