(Los Angeles) LeBron James started Tuesday a 23e season in the NBA, as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Utah Jazz.
This is a record for longevity in the circuit.
James provided seven points in the first half (two three-pointers and a free throw).
He was also complicit in four baskets.
Aged 40, James had not yet played this season due to sciatica.
He missed the preparatory schedule and the first 14 games of his team’s regular season.
James returned to contact training last week, before participating in his first practice with the Lakers on Monday.
James said Monday that his body isn’t at peak yet, but he’s looking forward to this new chapter in his career.
James is the first player to play 23 seasons in the NBA.
Vince Carter played 22, retiring in 2020.
Five players played 21 seasons: Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Paul, 40, who continues his journey with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kyle Lowry, des 76ers of Philadelphia, begins a 20e saison.
“For many of us who played with him, or for some of us who grew up watching him play, LeBron is a superhero,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick, who played 15 seasons in the NBA. What he accomplished, very few players are capable of. »
James said he doesn’t consider this season his last, but he hasn’t decided whether he will play another year.
His last off-season was marked by two months of convalescence after a sprained knee suffered in the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This was followed by painful sciatica (nerve pain starting from the buttocks and going down the back of the legs).
James became the leading scorer in NBA history in February 2023.
In March 2025, he became the first player to reach the 50,000 total points mark (regular season and playoffs).
James has been part of four NBA championship clubs, being named the Finals Most Valuable Player each time.
He also has four regular season MVP awards and 21 All-Star Game selections.
His career began with the Cleveland Cavaliers in October 2003, a year before the birth of his eldest son Bronny, who also became a member of the Lakers.
LeBron James led the Lakers to their 17e title of champions in 2020, in the Florida bubble.
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