LeBron James becomes first NBA player to play 23 seasons

LeBron James surrounded by Utah Jazz players / Photo: Kirby Lee/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On Nov. 18, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James played his first game of the 2025-26 season, appearing in the starting lineup against the Utah Jazz (140-126) and becoming the first NBA player to compete in 23 seasons, according to ESPN.

Last summer, the 40-year-old James exercised his player option and will remain with the Lakers for at least one more year. However, he missed the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica — issues with the sciatic nerve that caused pain in his lower back and along the right side of his body.

«It was just fun to be out there with the guys, man. It’s been rough mentally for me — this is the first time I’ve started a basketball season and not played. Since I started playing basketball at like 9 years old, I’ve never missed the beginning of a basketball season,» ESPN cited James as saying.

In the game against the Utah Jazz, James scored 11 points, made 12 passes and grabbed three rebounds in 30 minutes on the floor. He also extended his streak of double-digit scoring games to 1,293. James has not scored fewer than 10 points in any game he has played since Jan. 6, 2007.

«Just thought he played with the right spirit. Very unselfish all night. Was a willing passer, didn’t force it, took his drives and his shots when they were there. The defense is going to pay attention to him, particularly when he has the ball in the post, particularly when he’s putting pressure on the rim, and I just thought he made a lot of great decisions tonight. Really good to have him back,» ESPN cited Lakers head coach JJ Redick as saying.

Becoming the first NBA player to appear in 23 seasons, James broke the record he had shared with Vince Carter, who finished his career in 2020 after playing 22 seasons in the league.