LeBron James becomes first player in history to play 23 NBA seasons

LeBron James continues to elevate his legacy: with the start of the 2025–26 season, he officially becomes the first NBA player in history to play in 23 seasons.

The 40-year-old All-Star opted into his $52.6 million contract with the Lakers over the summer, setting the stage for this historic 23rd year.

In his season debut against the Utah Jazz, LeBron recorded 11 points and 12 assists in 30 minutes, showing despite his age and injury-related absence, his playmaking remains elite.

Along the way during the game, James also surpassed Reggie Miller for 6th on all-time 3-pointers made list with a left wing three-pointer.

The milestone mirrors just how durable and impactful his career has been: no other player has come close to playing 23 seasons, a mark he now owns outright.