LeBron James Kicks Off Historic 23rd NBA Season as Longest-Tenured Player
LeBron James made history on Tuesday night as he commenced his 23rd NBA season, setting a new record for the longest career in league history. At 40 years old, James surpassed the previous record held by Vince Carter, who played for 22 seasons.
LeBron’s Historic Season Opener
James took to the floor at Crypto.com Arena, wearing his iconic No. 23 jersey, during the Lakers’ season opener against the Utah Jazz. The home crowd celebrated his remarkable achievement as the public address announcer recognized James’ historic milestone with a warm ovation.
Game Overview
The Lakers experienced a sluggish start, falling behind by 11 points at one stage. James remained scoreless in the first quarter, which ended with the Jazz leading 36-27. However, he found his rhythm early in the second quarter, scoring his first points of the season with a three-pointer.
As James heated up, the Lakers rallied and eventually triumphed over the Jazz with a final score of 140-125. James concluded the game with a double-double, contributing 11 points and 12 assists.
Record-Setting Achievements
- Longest career in NBA history at 23 seasons.
- Scored in double digits for 1,293 consecutive games.
- Has averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in his previous season.
- Won four NBA championships and is a 21-time All-Star.
Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James’ performance, emphasizing his unselfish playstyle and smart decision-making throughout the game. James played 30 minutes in his return, showcasing his resilience after missing the first 14 games of the 2025-26 season due to sciatica.
Looking Ahead
Despite retirement rumors in the past year, James reaffirmed his commitment by opting to return for an eighth season with the Lakers. He recently held an impressive career total of 42,184 regular-season points, making him the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Having entered the league as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, James continues to be a pivotal figure in basketball.
As he approaches his 41st birthday in December, LeBron James remains a beacon of endurance and excellence in the NBA.
