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At 40 years old, LeBron Raymone James Sr. didn’t just return to the court—he rewrote history. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, James played his 23rd NBA season opener, becoming the first player ever to reach that milestone, surpassing Vince Lamar Carter Jr.’s previous record of 22 seasons. The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t just welcome him back—they exploded, defeating the Utah Jazz Basketball Club 140-126 in a dazzling offensive showcase that left fans breathless and analysts speechless.
A Return After the Pain
James hadn’t played since October, sidelined by sciatica—a nerve condition that sent shooting pains down his lower back and right leg. He missed the Lakers’ first 14 games, skipped training camp, and admitted on November 17: "I pray you never get it. It’s not fun." But on game night, he walked out to a standing ovation. No flashy dunk. No early explosion. He was scoreless in his first 11 minutes. Then, early in the second quarter, he caught a pass from Luka Dončić, stepped back, and drained a three-pointer over Ace Bailey. The arena erupted. His second three came at the buzzer of the half—a 28-footer off a Dončić drive. By the end of 30 minutes, he had 11 points and 12 assists. No rebounds. No steals. Just pure, unselfish play.The Numbers That Defy Logic
James didn’t just play—he extended a streak that borders on the supernatural. His driving layup in the third quarter marked his 1,293rd consecutive game with double-digit points. That’s every single game since January 6, 2007. No injuries. No rest nights. No slumps. Just consistency for over 18 years. He also passed Reginald Wayne Miller for sixth on the NBA’s all-time three-point list. And yes—he’s still adding to it.The Lakers didn’t need him to carry them. Austin Tyler Reaves dropped 26 points. Luka Dončić, playing for the Jazz that night, scored 37 with 10 assists and five rebounds—though he was on the wrong side of the scoreboard. For Utah, Keyonte Jamal George poured in 34 points on five threes, and Lauri Darrin Markkanen added 31. But the Jazz’s defense? Nonexistent. Their offense? Too slow. Their record? Now 5-9, with five losses in seven games.
Coaches, Rivals, and the Man Himself
Tyrone Robert Redick II, the Lakers’ head coach, didn’t gush. He didn’t need to. "He played with the right spirit. Very unselfish all night," Redick said, his tone calm but proud. It was the kind of comment that speaks louder than hype.Across the league, the reaction was equal parts awe and disbelief. "It’s his 23rd season. It’s insane," said Luka Dončić, who, at 26, is already a generational talent himself. James, grinning after the game, simply said: "It was fun to be out there with the guys."
That’s the thing about LeBron. He doesn’t play for legacy. He plays because he still loves it. And when he’s out there, even at 40, the game still bends to his rhythm.
The Lakers’ Rise and the Jazz’s Struggles
The win improved the Lakers to 11-4, placing them firmly in the Western Conference’s top tier. They’ve won six of their last seven, and their offense—led by Dončić, Reaves, and now James—is averaging 132.4 points per game since James returned. They’re not just winning. They’re dominating.The Jazz, meanwhile, remain stuck in the mire. Despite George’s breakout performance and Markkanen’s efficiency, they’ve lost 11 of their last 13. Their defense ranks 28th in the league. Their bench? Inconsistent. Their identity? Still missing. They’ve never won a championship. Now, they’re watching the league’s most enduring legend make history on their home court.
What This Means Beyond the Box Score
LeBron’s 23rd season isn’t just a statistic. It’s a cultural event. He’s the only player to have played in three different decades. He’s the only one to have been drafted straight out of high school in 2003 and still be starting in 2025. He’s outlasted his own sons’ birth years. He’s played with 21 different All-Stars, coached by 10 different head coaches, and faced 14 different NBA commissioners.His longevity isn’t just about physical conditioning. It’s about mental discipline. About adapting. About evolving from the dunking phenom of 2003 to the playmaking maestro of 2025. He doesn’t need to score 30 anymore. He needs to orchestrate. To elevate. To remind everyone why he’s still here.
And the NBA? It’s better for it. Because when LeBron plays, the game feels alive. Not just competitive. Alive.
What’s Next?
The Lakers play four games in six days starting Friday. James is expected to play all of them. His minutes will likely stay around 30, but the question isn’t whether he can handle it—it’s how much longer he’ll want to. He’s said he wants to play until his youngest son, Bronny, is ready for the NBA. That could be 2027. Or 2028.For now, he’s not thinking about retirement. He’s thinking about the next assist. The next screen. The next three-pointer at the buzzer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does LeBron’s 23rd season compare to other NBA legends’ careers?
Only Vince Carter reached 22 seasons, retiring in 2020. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played 20 seasons but didn’t start his 20th until age 38. LeBron is the first to play 23 seasons and remain a starter. He’s also the only player with 1,293 consecutive double-digit scoring games—more than the entire career of many All-Stars. His longevity, combined with elite performance, is unmatched in NBA history.
What impact does James’ return have on the Lakers’ championship chances?
With James back, the Lakers have transformed from a mid-tier team to a top-four contender. Their offensive rating jumped from 115.8 to 124.1 in the four games since his debut. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are thriving alongside him, and the team’s depth—especially in the backcourt—makes them dangerous in playoffs. They’re now among the favorites to reach the Finals, a prospect they haven’t seriously considered since 2020.
Why did James miss the first 14 games of the season?
James was sidelined by sciatica, a nerve condition caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, leading to sharp, radiating pain down his lower back and right leg. He avoided playing to prevent aggravating the injury, opting for intensive physical therapy and rest. He returned only after clearing medical evaluations and receiving clearance from the Lakers’ training staff on November 17, 2025.
What records did LeBron break during this game?
He became the first player in NBA history to appear in 23 seasons, surpassing Vince Carter. He also passed Reggie Miller for sixth-most career three-pointers (2,561 total). Most remarkably, he extended his streak of consecutive double-digit scoring games to 1,293—the longest in NBA history, dating back to January 6, 2007. He’s now the only player to have scored in every game he’s played since 2007.
How has LeBron’s game changed over his 23 seasons?
Early in his career, he was a 28-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist athletic force. Now, he’s a 11-point, 12-assist maestro who controls tempo, reads defenses, and elevates teammates. His shooting percentage from three has improved from 32% in 2006 to 38% in 2025. He’s added 14 years of basketball IQ to his physical gifts. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball—he makes everyone around him better.
What’s the likelihood LeBron plays beyond 23 seasons?
He’s never said he’ll retire after 23, and his body is in better condition than most 30-year-olds. He’s expressed a desire to play alongside his son Bronny, who’s projected to enter the NBA in 2026. If his health holds, 24 seasons is plausible. Even 25 isn’t out of the question. The only limit now is his own ambition—and maybe the calendar.