The return of LeBron James added even more excitement to an already fun Los Angeles Lakers season. However, James did more than just play his first game of the 2025-2026 season against the Utah Jazz. One game played made LeBron the first basketball player to play 23 total seasons in the NBA. Everyone knew James would break the record eventually this season, but he had to suit up to make it official.
Los Angeles had an outstanding game with LeBron fitting into the system of a team that has been thriving without him. Pundits feared or questioned if James would take away from Luka Doncic’s early MVP play and Austin Reaves’ All-Star stat lines. All three had great nights in a smooth victory over Utah.
LeBron was the biggest story since fans have waited a full month for the legend to make his season debut. 30 minutes of action saw James having a double double with 11 points and 12 assists. Doncic, Reaves, and Deandre Ayton all had great scoring efforts thanks to LeBron facilitating and not looking to shoot many shots.
Who Had This Record Before LeBron?
Only one other NBA player was tied with James for 22 seasons before he broke the tie against the Jazz. Vince Carter had a long career of great moments, but he turned into a role player before his 15th season and barely received minutes at the end of his 22nd. NBA teams loved having Carter on the roster as a veteran presence that played the bare minimum minutes in his final years.
LeBron played 34.9 minutes per game just last season and has already clocked in 30 minutes in his debut this season. No NBA player has ever had the longevity of King James to show why he’s on the short list of names that can be argued as the greatest of all time.
Fans still expect the highest level of greatness from LeBron, despite his significantly older age than his peers. Carter’s final game came in a shortened season due to the pandemic. James must contribute to 82 game seasons and has the pressure to help the Lakers contend as his career continues as another variable to put his record in perspective.
LeBron’s Friend Also Moving Up List
James sits at the top of the list for most seasons played with Carter right behind him. LeBron’s close friend Chris Paul also moved up the all-time list by tying Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki for third place with 21 seasons played. Unfortunately, Paul is showing the negative side of one declining quickly at the end of a career.
Clippers head coach Ty Lue barely plays Paul today and his numbers show he’s likely not going to return next season. All other players to tie Paul for third also had to settle for lesser roles in their final season. James stands above Carter, Paul, and all other names for his importance to the league.
Many fans will dub LeBron as the face of the NBA due to his popularity and his ability to still contribute at a high level. Tonight’s landmark proves that James not only deserved to set this record but that any future stars to tie or pass it are judged against the quality of his play this late into their careers.
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