LeBron James becomes 1st player to play 23 consecutive NBA seasons

LeBron James played his first match of his 23rd season in the top flight on Tuesday, going past Vince Carter's mark of 22 consecutive seasons when he played for the Lakers against the Utah Jazz.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles before the tip-off during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James broke the record for the most consecutive seasons played by a player in NBA history. The 40-year-old played his first match of his 23rd NBA season in the top flight on Tuesday, going past Vince Carter’s mark of 22 consecutive seasons, when he played for the Lakers against the Utah Jazz.

James, who was playing his first match for the Lakers after missing 14 games due to sciatica, contributed 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds in 30 minutes, helping his side win 140-126.

“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, like 9 years old, I’ve never missed the beginning of a basketball season,” James said.

Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James for the way he was involved in the game on Tuesday, admitting that he made a lot of right decisions.

“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,” he said.

James played his first season in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and spent eight seasons there before moving to the Miami Heat in 2010. That move proved successful as James won consecutive NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013.

He returned to play for the Cavs in 2014 and won his third NBA Championship in 2016. In 2018, James moved to the Lakers and won his fourth championship in 2020. In addition to his NBA achievements, James has also won three Olympic gold medals with the United States basketball team in 2008, 2012 and 2024.