LeBron James Makes History in Record 23rd NBA Season Debut/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ LeBron James kicked off his record-breaking 23rd NBA season with 12 assists in the Lakers’ 140-126 win over the Jazz. After a seven-month absence due to injury, James returned with elite playmaking, helping the Lakers continue their strong start. At 40, he shows no signs of slowing down.
LeBron’s Historic 23rd Season Quick Looks
- LeBron James becomes first NBA player with 23 seasons.
- Posted 11 points, 12 assists, 3 rebounds in win vs. Jazz.
- Returned after 7-month injury absence due to sciatica.
- Played 29 minutes in high-tempo Lakers offense.
- Eight assists came in the second half, six in 3 minutes.
- Lakers now 11-4 after strong start without James.
- James praised team chemistry and his role as playmaker.
- Coach JJ Redick applauded James’ unselfish and smart play.
- Vince Carter previously held record for most seasons (22).
- James still undecided on whether he’ll play a 24th season.
Deep Look: LeBron James Begins Historic 23rd NBA Season With Classic Playmaking in Lakers Win
LOS ANGELES (AP) — After nearly seven months away from NBA action, LeBron James returned to the court Tuesday night to open his record-setting 23rd season — and he did so with trademark precision and leadership in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 140-126 victory over the Utah Jazz.
At 40 years old, James logged 11 points, 12 assists, and 3 rebounds in 29 minutes, displaying elite playmaking and game control. Though his shot rhythm was still developing, his court vision and timing were as sharp as ever.
“The pace tested me, but I caught my wind,” James said postgame. “Rhythm is still coming back, but that’s to be expected.”
Seven Months Away, Zero Rust
James had not played since May, recovering from sciatica and lingering knee ligament issues that kept him out of training camp, the preseason, and the Lakers’ first 14 regular-season games. Despite the long absence, he stepped into the rotation seamlessly.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that emergency crews were still combing through the rubble for survivors.
Seamless Reintegration Into a Surging Squad
The Lakers had gone 10-4 without James, raising questions about how his return might affect team chemistry. James had an emphatic response:
“I can fit in with anybody. I don’t even understand why that was even a question,” he said. “I was mentally in every game, seeing how I could help.”
Head coach JJ Redick praised James’ effort and impact.
“He played with the right spirit, didn’t force anything, and made great decisions,” said Redick. “Just a really unselfish performance.”
Milestones and Records Continue
James is now the only player in NBA history to reach a 23rd season, surpassing Vince Carter’s 22-season mark. He has started 1,561 of his 1,563 career games, and now trails only Robert Parish’s all-time regular-season games played record (1,611), needing 48 more appearances to surpass it.
Already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, James also holds records for total playoff minutes and combined regular-season and postseason games (1,855) — more than any player in league history.
He became the first player to surpass 50,000 career points (regular season + playoffs) in March 2024 and continues to defy the aging curve in unprecedented fashion.
Early Highlights: Classic LeBron Playmaking
Though scoreless in his first 11 minutes, James found his rhythm in the second quarter with two 3-pointers. He then took over as a facilitator in the second half, notching eight assists, including six in a 3-minute span early in the fourth quarter.
Deandre Ayton, now the Lakers’ starting center, threw down a lob from James — the first since attending James’ camp as a middle schooler.
“That was surreal,” Ayton said. “He’s always had that vision. I’ve watched it since I was a kid.”
Legacy, Family, and Unfinished Business
James, a four-time NBA champion and four-time league MVP, began his career in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers and now shares a roster with his oldest son, Bronny James, a Lakers rookie.
Despite past injuries and the challenges of age, James isn’t declaring this season his last.
“I’m taking it day by day. I’ve got to see how my body feels,” he said.
The Lakers are positioned for another deep playoff push. They won the Pacific Division in 2025 and reached the Western Conference Finals in 2023, with LeBron helping lead the charge. The midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic, one of James’ favorite players, only strengthened the team’s title hopes.
The Road Ahead
The Lakers have four days off before facing the Jazz again on Sunday in Salt Lake City, giving James time to continue building chemistry and conditioning.
“This is a great group,” James said. “Everyone sacrifices for each other. I just need to get my wind and rhythm back.”
With history already in his grasp and more milestones ahead, LeBron James’ 23rd season has begun the way so many others have — with brilliance, leadership, and belief.
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