Lakers’ LeBron James debuts vs. Jazz, begins record 23rd year

• Dave McMenamin

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  Dave McMenamin

  ESPN Staff Writer

  • Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.
  • Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.

Nov 18, 2025, 08:46 PM ET

LOS ANGELES — Lakers star LeBron James made his season debut against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, taking the court to begin a league-record 23rd season.

The 40-year-old James was sidelined for the first 14 games of the season with sciatica, a nerve issue that affected his lower back and down the right side of his body.

With his start against the Jazz he became the first NBA player in history to play in 23 seasons, breaking a tie with Vince Carter.

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James returned to practice with the team Monday, joining his Lakers teammates for his first 5-on-5 action with them since L.A.’s first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in April.

James’ return came after a rehabilitation assignment with the G League’s South Bay Lakers last week while L.A. was on a five-game road trip and getting through back-to-back days of practice without experiencing any lingering soreness or pain.

James, already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, entered Tuesday 50 games behind Boston Celtics great Robert Parish for the all-time lead in games played and 508 assists behind Jason Kidd for No. 3 on the all-time list.

Against the Jazz, he moved past Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Reggie Miller and into No. 6 on the all-time 3-pointers list.

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