LeBron James stepped onto the court at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night and did what he’s been doing for over two decades. He made history. Again.
At 40 years old, James began his 23rd NBA season. No player in league history has ever done that. He broke the record previously held by Vince Carter, who played 22 seasons before retiring in 2020.
Seven-Month Wait Ends
James hadn’t played competitive basketball in nearly seven months. His last game was in April during the Lakers’ playoff exit against Minnesota. Then sciatica struck during training camp. The nerve issue affected his lower back and the right side of his body.
For the first time since he was nine years old, James missed the start of a basketball season. He sat out all 14 of the Lakers’ opening games. The mental toll was heavy.
“It was just fun to be out there with the guys, man,” James said after the Lakers’ 140-126 victory over Utah. “It’s been rough mentally for me.”
Vintage Performance Despite Rust
The numbers tell one story. James finished with 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds in 30 minutes. He didn’t score for his first 11 minutes on court. But that’s not the full picture.
In the second half, James put on a passing clinic. He recorded eight assists after halftime. Six of those came in just over three minutes during the fourth quarter. His vision hadn’t dimmed. His basketball IQ remained sharp.
“He does things that other people can’t,” said Luka Doncic, who dropped 37 points to lead the Lakers. “He’s here to help us all.”
James also extended a remarkable streak. His driving layup in the third quarter marked his 1,293rd consecutive game with double-digit scoring. That run dates back to 6 January 2007. Every single game he’s played since then.
The Fitness Test
James admitted the pace challenged him. His lungs burned. His conditioning wasn’t ideal after missing so much time. But as the game progressed, he found his rhythm.
“As the game went on, my wind got a lot better,” James explained. “Caught my second wind, caught my third wind.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James’ approach. “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.”
Redick added that James could have played more minutes if needed. The Lakers built such a comfortable lead that it wasn’t necessary.
More Milestones Within Reach
James already owns the NBA’s all-time scoring record. He’s first in combined regular-season and playoff points with 50,000. He holds the record for total games played, including playoffs, at 1,855.
Now he’s chasing more. He sits just 48 games behind Robert Parish’s record of 1,611 regular-season games. He’s 496 assists away from passing Jason Kidd for third all-time in that category.
His two three-pointers against Utah moved him past Reggie Miller into sixth place on the all-time three-point list.
Chemistry Questions Answered
Some wondered if James’ return would disrupt the Lakers. They’d started 10-4 without him. Would adding a 40-year-old superstar throw off the balance?
James laughed at the notion. “I can fit in with anybody. I don’t even understand why that was even a question.”
New Lakers centre DeAndre Ayton experienced James’ court vision firsthand. The alley-oop pass James threw him for a dunk brought back memories. It was actually their second connection. The first came when Ayton was in eighth grade at James’ basketball camp in Las Vegas.
“He’s a superhero,” Redick said. “What he’s been able to do in this game, there’s a handful of guys that have been able to do it.”
What’s Next
The Lakers don’t play again until Sunday when they visit Utah. That gives James time to build his fitness and sharpen his timing.
“Don’t have to worry about chemistry,” James said. “This is a great group. Everyone enjoys being around each other, sacrificing for one another, and playing for one another. Just got to get my wind, get my rhythm back.”
James hasn’t decided if this will be his final season. He’s not assuming anything. But on Tuesday night, he proved once more that age is just a number when you’re LeBron James.
Twenty-three seasons. Four championships. Four MVP awards. Twenty-one All-Star selections. And still going.
The kid from Akron who entered the league in October 2003 continues to defy time. His career began before his oldest son Bronny, was born. Now they’re teammates.
Some records are meant to be broken. This one might stand forever.
