Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James made his long-awaited 2025-26 NBA season debut during Tuesday’s home clash against the Utah Jazz.
In doing so, the 21-time All-Star made league history, reaching an unprecedented level of longevity.
LeBron James Becomes First NBA Player To Suit Up in 23 Seasons
While anticipation was sky high for James’ first full campaign alongside co-star Luka Dončić, it was quickly dampened by the 40-year-old’s bout with sciatica. The nerve issue, which arose during the offseason, compromised James’ lower back and extended through the right side of his body, sidelining him for LA’s first 14 games.
Following last week’s productive rehabilitation stint with the Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, in which he didn’t experience any setbacks, James was able to practice with the Lakers on Monday. That marked his first five-on-five run since his squad’s five-game first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in April, setting the stage for him to finally make his Year 23 debut against Utah.
Upon hitting the court for the first time in months, James officially became the longest‑tenured player ever. The four-time MVP broke his tie with league icon Vince Carter, who retired in 2020 after 22 seasons at the age of 43.
While Carter was a shell of himself in his latter seasons, James has maintained elite production leading up to the 2025-26 campaign, coming off his record-extending 21st All-NBA selection. As such, he should provide a considerable boost to LA’s middling offense. While the Lakers went 10-4 in James’ absence, they entered Tuesday ranked just 17th in offensive rating (115.4).
However, James has no plans to hijack his team’s offense, stressing Monday that his desire is to play whatever role is required of him.
“It don’t matter. I’m a ball player. The best thing about me and the way I’ve built my game over my whole life … I’ve never had a position,” James said. “…There’s not one team, one club, in the world that I can’t fit in and play for. I can do everything on the floor. So, whatever this team needs me to do, and more, I can do it.”
Across 70 outings last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 2.1 3-pointers per game on 51.3/37.6/78.2 shooting splits.
After making his season debut, James (1,563 appearances) is just 49 contests away from surpassing Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish (1,611 appearances) for the most career regular-season games in NBA history.
James also quickly overtook Indiana Pacers icon Reggie Miller (2,560 made 3s) for sixth on the all‑time 3‑pointers list, having started the campaign just one triple behind the Hall of Famer.
