BREAKING: LeBron James on Track to Make History as FIRST PLAYER Ever to Play 23 Seasons in the NBA
BREAKING: LeBron James on Track to Make History as FIRST PLAYER Ever to Play 23 Seasons in the NBA
In a moment that underscores both athletic greatness and enduring legacy, LeBron James is officially on track to make NBA history as the first player ever to play 23 seasons in the league a milestone unmatched in the sport’s 78-year history.
As of today, multiple sources close to the Los Angeles Lakers and league officials have confirmed that James intends to return for the 2025-2026 NBA season, which would mark his 23rd consecutive year in the NBA since being drafted first overall in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A Legacy of Longevity and Dominance
LeBron James, now 40 years old, has defied the odds and rewritten the blueprint for what’s physically possible in professional basketball. Over the course of his storied career, he has amassed:
- Four NBA Championships
- Four MVP Awards
- 20 All-Star selections
- All-time leading scorer in NBA history
Yet even with a resume that already places him firmly in the GOAT conversation, this upcoming 23rd season will elevate his legacy to an entirely new realm not just as one of the greatest, but as the longest-lasting.
Why 23 Matters
Fittingly, the number 23 has long been associated with greatness in basketball worn by legends like Michael Jordan and, of course, James himself for much of his career. Now, that number takes on a new dimension as it becomes symbolic of James’ unmatched endurance.
Until now, the record for the most seasons played in the NBA was held by Vince Carter, who retired in 2020 after 22 seasons. LeBron is poised to surpass that, not only extending his dominance on the court but also redefining longevity in a sport that rarely sees players maintain elite performance past their mid-30s.
What’s Next?
While there has been speculation about James potentially retiring or transitioning into team ownership or a full-time media role, his continued high-level play averaging over 25 points per game this past season shows no signs of slowing. He has also spoken openly about his dream to one day play alongside his son, Bronny James, who is eligible for the NBA Draft in 2025.
Should that happen, it would be another unprecedented moment: a father-son duo sharing the court in the NBA.
The Final Word
Whether you’re a LeBron fan or a longtime critic, there’s no denying the magnitude of this milestone. To play 23 seasons in the most competitive basketball league in the world is a testament to elite conditioning, mental toughness, and an insatiable drive to compete.
As LeBron James prepares to lace up for Year 23, the NBA and the world will be watching history in motion.
