Historic Season Awaits LeBron 'King' James

Twenty-three years in any professional sports league is an accomplishment that many will never touch. Whether you’re a star in that league or a role player, 23 years is no small feat. LeBron James, of course, is no star — he’s a mega star, who has continued to play at the highest of levels for 22 NBA seasons, and is on the verge of beginning his 23rd campaign, which is absolutely historic. With the Los Angeles Lakers entering a new era of purple and gold basketball, which Luka Dončić will lead, LeBron is finishing his era with the team. Still, a historic season ahead will see him surpass a couple of NBA greats, all while he and Luka try to compete for a championship.

Historic Season Awaits LeBron “King” James

LeBron James will break historic records held by Robert Parish and Vince Carter during the 2025-26 NBA season

If you’re arguing that the Lakers are Luka’s team now, sure, it’s a valid take. He is the future, after all. That said, James isn’t done. He’s still a Laker, despite all the trade rumors and noise that emanated out of Los Angeles this offseason. The Lakers will enter a new NBA campaign led by Luka and LeBron, along with a few key roster additions that have been met with some level of controversy, albeit necessary additions the Lakers needed to make.

While the in-game focus will primarily be on how well Luka and LeBron play, how newcomer Deandre Ayton will gel with his new team, and if Austin Reaves can equal his production from last year, if not surpass it, in the background, the records James will surpass this year will surely be a conversation topic. For one, LeBron will certainly overtake Toronto Raptors icon and Hall of Fame resident, Vince Carter, in seasons played. Carter, the greatest dunker to ever play, played 22 seasons. While he was not the dominant force in his latter years like LeBron still is, Carter’s 22 seasons are an incredible accomplishment still, and LeBron will pass it entering his 23rd season.

James will also reach another historic milestone, provided no major injuries occur throughout the season. James needs only 50 games to break Robert Parish‘s all-time record of games played with 1,611. Parish also played 21 seasons, so his longevity is something he has in common with both James and Carter. As it stands, LeBron is sitting at 1,562 games played, and should be expected to break the record after the new year.

Byron Scott extolls LeBron’s history-making ways

Believe it or not, there is a chance that LeBron finishes his NBA career with another team. However, right now, given his no-trade clause and numerous signs off the court, LeBron appears intent on staying in LA until his time is up. If that ends up being the case, James will have broken several records while wearing the purple and gold. Former Lakers legend, Byron Scott, who knows a thing or two about winning in Los Angeles, recently praised James for his massive career accomplishments on his Fast Break podcast, while also looking ahead to what the superstar will further accomplish this season.