LeBron James made NBA history on Tuesday night as he became the first player ever to compete in 23 consecutive NBA seasons, stepping onto the court for the Los Angeles Lakers in a home victory over the Utah Jazz.

At 40 years old, James returned after missing the Lakers’ first 14 games of the season due to sciatica. Despite the extended absence, he made an immediate impact, recording 11 points, 12 assists, and three rebounds in 30 minutes of action as the Lakers secured a 140–126 win at Crypto.com Arena.

Already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, James surpassed Vince Carter’s record of 22 consecutive seasons played, further cementing his longevity and durability in a league known for its physical demands. His performance also included two three-pointers, which moved him past Reggie Miller into sixth place on the NBA’s all-time list for most three-pointers made — another milestone in an extraordinary career.

Lakers teammate Luka Dončić praised James’ return, highlighting his influence despite limited recent game time.
“It’s been a long time since he played basketball, so for his first game back, he looked amazing,” Dončić said. “He’s going to keep finding his rhythm, and he’s going to help us a lot.”

Dončić led all scorers with 37 points, adding four steals, 10 assists, and five rebounds in a dominant all-around performance. Austin Reaves also played a key role for Los Angeles, contributing 26 points as the Lakers showcased strong offensive depth.

For Utah, Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen delivered standout performances, scoring 34 and 31 points respectively, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Lakers’ firepower and pace.

The victory moved Los Angeles into fourth place in the Western Conference, reinforcing their strong position early in the season, while the Jazz remain in 10th place, still searching for consistency.

James’ return not only boosted the Lakers’ lineup but also served as a reminder of his enduring excellence, as he continues to rewrite the NBA record books well into his fifth decade of life.