LeBron James Makes NBA History With His Season Debut on Tuesday Night

After spending the first few weeks of the 2025–26 season on the sidelines due to injury, LeBron James made his long-awaited season debut on Tuesday night against the Utah Jazz. While he clearly looked like a 41-year-old on the floor, James was once again fantastic, posting 11 points and 12 assists on just seven shots, with him and Luka Doncic leading the team to a dominant 140–126 victory.

James' return comes on the back of a very hot start for these Lakers, with both Doncic and Austin Reaves dominating early in the year, and many questioning whether his return could mess with the chemistry. Clearly, that wasn't the case on Tuesday night, as he took what the game gave him in a very clinical performance in a game that James made major NBA history in.

With this game, it marks 23 seasons played in the National Basketball Association for LeBron, the most in league history as he surpasses the likes of Vince Carter (22), Kevin Garnett (21), Dirk Nowitzki (21), and Chris Paul (21). Not only is he still playing as he approaches his 41st birthday, but he's also playing at a very high level, and with the Lakers' aspirations, they'll need him to still be at his best as they chase another NBA Championship.

For now, though, this is an accomplishment worth celebrating, as LeBron continues one of the greatest careers in sports history, and while we don't know what the future holds, he should be appreciated as season No. 23 begins.