Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has cemented another piece of basketball history, becoming the first player to compete in 23 NBA seasons during Tuesday night's game against the Utah Jazz.
Historic Milestone Achieved
The 40-year-old forward made his season debut after missing the first 14 games due to sciatica, officially surpassing Vince Carter's previous record of 22 seasons set in 2020. While James didn't deliver one of his signature explosive performances, his mere presence on the court secured his place in the NBA record books once again.
James played 30 minutes in the Lakers' 140-126 victory at Crypto.com Arena, contributing 11 points on 4-for-7 shooting while demonstrating his enduring playmaking abilities with 12 assists.
Multiple Records Fall in Season Opener
Beyond the season count milestone, James also moved past legendary shooter Reggie Miller for sixth place on the all-time three-pointers list. His second three-pointer of the game secured this additional achievement, adding to his already impressive resume as the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
The four-time NBA champion also recorded three rebounds and one steal in the comprehensive victory that saw strong performances from throughout the Lakers roster.
Teammates Shine in Supporting Roles
Luka Doncic led the scoring charge for Los Angeles with a game-high 37 points and 10 assists, while Deandre Ayton posted a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Their dominant performances complemented James' historic return to action.
"It's been a long time since he played basketball, so I think for the first game back, he looked amazing," Doncic commented after the game. "He's going to keep getting his rhythm, and help us a lot."
Despite the Lakers' collective strength, the Utah Jazz put up considerable resistance through Keyonte George's 34 points and Lauri Markkanen's 31-point contribution.
Family Moment in Historic Game
The game also featured a special father-son moment as LeBron's son, Bronny James, saw three minutes of playing time and made his only shot attempt in the blowout victory.
During post-game interviews, the elder James displayed his trademark humor when asked about his son's development in his second NBA season. "He's not a resident anymore so we don't talk as much, he has his own place," James joked before calling across the locker room, "Bronny, how are you!?"
The lighthearted exchange highlighted the unique family dynamic unfolding in James' record-breaking 23rd season, with both father and son now established as NBA professionals.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers continue their schedule with the back end of a home-and-home series against the Jazz in Utah on Friday night, followed by a Tuesday home game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
At 40 years old and in his unprecedented 23rd season, James continues to redefine athletic longevity while maintaining his status as one of basketball's most influential figures. His latest achievement adds to a career filled with broken records and historic milestones that may never be duplicated in professional basketball.
