LeBron James just made history twice during his debut game of the 23rd NBA season in a remarkable display of his greatness. In this first game, LeBron not only proved he still has the skills to dominate on the court but also achieved two significant milestones that solidify his legendary status in NBA history. So, let’s look at the details.
LeBron James Makes History Twice On Debut 23rd Season
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LeBron James fans got reasons to celebrate as the NBA legend made history not once, but twice on his debut of the 23rd season. Simply stepping onto the court, LeBron became the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons, breaking his tie with Vince Carter, who had played 22 seasons. This milestone alone shows the incredible longevity and dedication of a player still performing at a high level at age 40.
The historic night came during a game against the Utah Jazz, where LeBron also climbed higher on the NBA’s all-time 3-point scoring list. He made two 3-pointers during the game, which allowed him to surpass the legendary Reggie Miller for the No. 6 spot in career 3-pointers made. Miller, who was once regarded as the greatest shooter before Steph Curry’s era, hit 2,560 threes in his career. Now, only five players have made more 3-pointers than LeBron, including Steph Curry, James Harden, Ray Allen, Damian Lillard, and Klay Thompson. Interestingly, most of these players are still active and can keep rising on the list.
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What makes LeBron James’ achievement even more impressive is that he was never really known as a shooter early in his career. In fact, his 3-point shooting was considered a weakness. Climbing so high on the all-time list shows his commitment to improving his game and adapting over time.
Why Is This So Special?
LeBron James’ debut performance was especially notable since he is now in his 23rd season, an unusual milestone that few professional athletes reach in any sport.
In his return game against Utah, LeBron played 30 minutes and put up 11 points, 12 assists, and 3 rebounds. While it wasn’t his best performance ever, it was a solid display for a 40-year-old player who had been out of action for months. More importantly, his presence helped the Los Angeles Lakers secure their third straight win with a 140-126 victory.
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LeBron’s historic start to the 2025 season is yet another reminder of why he remains one of the greatest players ever.
