LeBron James injury will snap mind-blowing trend

LeBron James is 8-14 in season openers

As pointed out by HoopsHype, James played in all 22 of his season openers before the 2025-26 season, going 8-14 in them. 

Last year, James ended a six-year losing streak on opening night when his Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 113-110, courtesy of a monster game from Anthony Davis, who scored 36 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. In fact, the win marked James' first opening-night win in a Lakers uniform after he went 0-6 through 2018 and 2023.  

While James' teams have underwhelmed on opening nights, it's not due to a lack of effort on his part. In 22 opening-night games, "The King" has averaged 25.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 50.1% shooting —numbers that are par for the course for his overall career. 

How LeBron James will make history 

James won't suit up when the Lakers face the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21, but he'll make history nonetheless, becoming the first player in NBA history to play in a 23rd season.

In the lead-up to training camp, James was asked the secret to his longevity and the factors that motivate him to keep going.

"For me, age is kind of just a number, but it is reality, too," he said, via NBA.com/The Associated Press. "You look at the history of the game, there’s not been many guys at my age, especially going into Year 23, that have been able to play at a level like that. I just try not to take it for granted and just try to give the game as much as I can, inspire whoever I can."

James, who turns 41 in December, is still widely regarded as a top-10 player in the league. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists, becoming the oldest player ever to make the All-NBA Second Team. Unless his body breaks down, there's very little reason to believe he can't replicate the exact numbers in his 23rd season.