LeBron James just made NBA history—again.
By opting into his $52.6 million contract for the 2025–26 season, he officially becomes the first player in league history to play 23 seasons. But “The King” isn’t just hanging around for nostalgia. LeBron James is chasing greatness with the Lakers, and this upcoming season could see him rewrite plenty of records in ways that no one has before.
How LeBron’s return impacts the Lakers’ title hopes
At 40 years old, James continues to play at an elite level that defies logic. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over 70 games, ranking among the top 25 in each major statistical category. It’s the kind of output players half his age dream about, and a testament to his ability to evolve with the game.
The records LeBron could break with the Lakers
For starters, James is just 50 regular-season games away from breaking Robert Parish’s all-time record for most games played. If he stays healthy, he could eclipse that milestone by March 2026, adding yet another crown to his already historic résumé.
And then there’s the matter of wins. James already has over 1,150 career victories, including playoffs, putting him among the top three in NBA history. Depending on how the Lakers perform this season, he could very well move into the number one spot, becoming the winningest player the league has ever seen.
He also leads all players in playoff games, playoff minutes, and playoff series wins.
Why this Lakers season matters for LeBron’s legacy
But perhaps the most staggering accomplishment is his longevity. LeBron is now the only player to compete in 23 seasons across three different decades, and he’s still earning honors like “Player of the Month” while approaching 41.
While legends like Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Karl Malone aged gracefully, none sustained this level of production into their 40s.
What comes after 2025–26 is still uncertain. But one thing is clear: LeBron isn’t just staying in the game—he’s still changing it. The Lakers may be planning for the future, but with James still chasing records and championships, the present remains just as historic.