LeBron James marked his long-awaited return by setting a historic NBA record on Tuesday night. The Los Angeles Lakers star officially became the first player to compete in 23 consecutive NBA seasons.
Although he had missed the first 14 games of the campaign due to sciatica, he quickly made his presence felt at Crypto.com Arena.
James delivered 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds in 30 controlled minutes as the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 140-126. His performance, though measured, still demonstrated his sharp instincts and exceptional court vision. Moreover, he surpassed Vince Carter’s long-standing milestone of 22 straight seasons, setting a new benchmark for durability.
Additionally, James climbed to sixth on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers list after converting two shots from beyond the arc. This achievement pushed him past Hall of Famer Reggie Miller. Despite a light scoring night, his overall influence on the game remained obvious throughout the contest.
Teammate Luka Doncic praised the veteran forward and highlighted the significance of his return. He noted that James looked impressive considering the lengthy layoff. Doncic added that his leadership and creativity would continue to elevate the team as he regained full rhythm.
Doncic himself led the Lakers with 37 points, four steals and 10 assists in a dominant all-round display. His energy shifted the momentum early, while his control of the offense created numerous scoring opportunities. Austin Reaves also contributed strongly, producing 26 points and offering consistent support on both ends.
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Lakers strengthen Western Conference position
Meanwhile, Utah’s Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen combined for 65 points, giving the Jazz brief spells of hope. However, their defensive lapses allowed Los Angeles to maintain a comfortable lead. The result moved the Lakers to fourth in the Western Conference standings, while Utah slipped to 10th.
Last season, James became the first player in NBA history to reach 50,000 combined regular-season and playoff points. Now, with another historic milestone achieved, he continues to show us what longevity means in professional basketball.
Tags: LeBron James, NBA record, Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Lakers, 23 consecutive NBA seasons, Utah Jazz, Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen.
