The NBA is built on a foundation of history, with records serving as benchmarks for greatness. Each season, players rise to the challenge of surpassing these milestones, redefining what’s possible on the court. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, several records are within reach, with individual stars and teams poised to leave their mark in the history books.
Here’s a look at the NBA records that could fall this season.
1. LeBron James: All-Time Minutes Played Leader
LeBron James, already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is closing in on the record for most minutes played in a career. The record, currently held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (57,446 minutes), is within reach for LeBron, who entered the season with over 56,000 minutes logged in regular-season and playoff games combined.
At age 39, LeBron continues to defy Father Time, and breaking this record would further solidify his legacy as one of the most durable and consistent players in NBA history.
2. Stephen Curry: All-Time Three-Point Record in a Season
Stephen Curry already holds the record for most three-pointers in a season (402 in 2015-16), but with the increased reliance on long-range shooting, he’s on pace to challenge his own mark.
With his shooting prowess and the Warriors’ offensive system designed around his strengths, Curry could break the 400-mark again, particularly if he stays healthy for all 82 games.
3. Victor Wembanyama: Rookie Blocks Record
The record for most blocks by a rookie in a single season is held by Manute Bol, who swatted an incredible 397 shots during the 1985-86 season. Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ highly touted 7’4″ rookie, has already shown flashes of defensive dominance and is on pace to challenge this long-standing record.
His combination of size, mobility, and instincts makes him a unique shot-blocking force, and if he avoids foul trouble and stays healthy, this record could fall.
4. Luka Dončić: Most Triple-Doubles in a Season
Oscar Robertson holds the record for most triple-doubles in a single season with 41, a mark that Russell Westbrook matched in 2016-17. Luka Dončić, known for his all-around brilliance, is on pace to challenge this milestone as he continues to be the centerpiece of the Dallas Mavericks’ offense.
With his ability to impact scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, Luka could set a new standard for triple-doubles in a season.
5. Nikola Jokić: Career Playoff Triple-Doubles
Nikola Jokić, already a two-time MVP, is rewriting the record books for centers. He currently ranks among the all-time leaders in playoff triple-doubles, trailing only Magic Johnson (30) and LeBron James (28).
If the Nuggets make another deep playoff run, Jokić could surpass both legends to claim the top spot. His unique skill set as a playmaking big man ensures he’ll continue to rack up triple-doubles at an unprecedented pace.
6. Team Record: Most Threes Made in a Season
The Golden State Warriors currently hold the record for most three-pointers made in a season by a team with 1,317 (2018-19). However, with the continued league-wide emphasis on three-point shooting, this record is at risk of being broken.
Teams like the Boston Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porziņģis, and the Atlanta Hawks, with Trae Young at the helm, have the firepower and system to challenge this record by season’s end.
7. Damian Lillard: Most Free Throws Made Without a Miss
The record for most consecutive free throws made in a game is 24, set by Dirk Nowitzki in 2011. Damian Lillard, one of the league’s most efficient free-throw shooters, has the ability to break this mark.
Known for his poise at the line and clutch performances, Lillard could surpass this record in a game where he draws significant fouls and maintains his composure.
8. Most 50-Point Games in a Season
Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the most 50-point games in a single season with an unfathomable 45 in 1961-62. While this record is likely untouchable, modern stars like Devin Booker, Luka Dončić, and Damian Lillard could collectively push for the most 50-point games in a single season by multiple players.
This season’s offensive explosion could result in a league-wide record for high-scoring games.
9. Most Points Scored by a Team in a Season
The Denver Nuggets hold the record for most points scored in a season with 10,371 (1981-82). With the increased pace of play and offensive efficiency in the modern NBA, teams like the Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks, both offensive powerhouses, could challenge this mark.
10. Oldest Player to Score 40 Points in a Game
Michael Jordan holds the record as the oldest player to score 40 points in an NBA game, doing so at 40 years and 4 days. LeBron James, now 39, has shown no signs of slowing down. If he has a high-scoring night this season, he could surpass Jordan’s mark and further cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
Conclusion
As the NBA evolves, records continue to fall, reflecting the league’s dynamic nature and the ever-rising level of talent. This season offers plenty of opportunities for players and teams to make history, whether it’s LeBron breaking longevity milestones, Curry extending his three-point dominance, or rising stars like Wembanyama setting new rookie standards.
Which records do you think will be broken this season? Share your predictions below!