LeBron James sets records in his return for an unforgettable Lakers debut

The comeback of LeBron James was far from an ordinary game. The Lakers forward, at 40 years old, turned his season debut against the Utah Jazz into a historic night for the league. As highlighted by Sporting News, James achieved two milestones in one evening. He became the first player ever to compete in 23 NBA seasons. On top of that, he climbed the all-time three-point list, surpassing none other than Reggie Miller.

The first record came simply by stepping on the floor. Until this season, LeBron James shared the mark for most seasons played (22) with Vince Carter. Now, in his twenty-third year, he stands alone in a category that speaks to longevity and physical resilience. Few imagined this when he debuted back in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Game 1 of Year 1.
Game 1 of Year 23.@KingJames: the ONLY player ever to play in 23 NBA seasons 🤯 https://t.co/UPFznuVROr pic.twitter.com/NV9KCsMnvm

— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2025

A record-setting night for the King

The second achievement was more visible on the scoreboard. With two three-pointers against Utah, LeBron James moved into sixth place on the NBA’s all-time list. By doing so, he passed Miller, long considered one of the greatest shooters ever. For James, a player once criticized for inconsistency from beyond the arc, reaching this level is proof of his ability to adapt and improve throughout his career.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida de Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers)

In terms of performance, LeBron James logged 30 minutes, contributing 11 points, 12 assists, and 3 rebounds. It wasn’t his most explosive outing, but it was enough to help secure a 140-126 win for the Lakers, their third straight victory. Luka Doncic, his teammate in Los Angeles, praised him afterward, saying James looked “incredible” despite the long layoff and predicted his rhythm will only grow as the season progresses.

“For a first game, he looked amazing… He’s gonna help us a lot.”

Luka Doncic on LeBron James’ return to action 🗣️

(via @SpectrumSN)pic.twitter.com/a7IBcmdMTC

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 19, 2025

Lakers stay in contention

The broader context adds weight to his return. The Lakers managed to stay competitive during the absence of LeBron James at the start of the season, posting a 10-4 record. Now, with his comeback, the team gains depth and flexibility under coach JJ Redick, who aims to solidify the Lakers as serious contenders in the Western Conference.

Beyond the numbers, the night reaffirmed the influence of LeBron James on modern basketball. At 40, he remains a figure capable of shaping the league’s narrative. His mix of longevity and technical evolution places him in a unique space: a player who not only stays relevant but continues to expand his legacy with every game.