With a video titled “The Second Decision”posted on social media on October 7, LeBron Raymone James stopped the sports world for a moment, suggesting that the end of his legendary basketball career was near. In reality, it turned out to be a masterful marketing stunt, the King is ready to take the field for the new NBA season starting on October 21st to remind everyone that his story is not over yet, even if his greatness is already engraved in the records. The native of Akron, Ohio, at almost 41 years old, will be the only player in the history of the American League to play 23 seasons, surpassing other legends such as Vince Carter (22) and Dirk Nowitzki (21). This is just one of his incredible records, LeBron dominates the ranking of the highest number of points scored in his career (42,184), the highest number of games (292) and points scored in the playoffs (8,289) – the final part of the championship that decides the winner – all crowned by 4 NBA titles, 4 MVP titles (best player in the NBA) and 3 Olympic golds (2008, 2012, 2024). Although his career and his era are entering the final stages, it is unknown how many more seasons he will give to his fans, one thing is certain: the eternal debate on who is the greatest of all time (the GOAT – Greatest Of All Time) between him and Michael Jordan is set to continue for many, many years.
LeBron James’ longevity records: one of the greatest basketball players ever
LeBron James, the King or The Chosen One, will turn 41 next December but is ready to take to the parquet of NBA arenas for one more season, his 23rd, a historic record. The career of the 4-time NBA champion began in 2003, when he was chosen at 18 as the first pick in the draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, after attending St. Vincent-St. for 4 years. Mary High School.
It was clear from his first year that LeBron James would rewrite basketball history, but what turned him into a legend was his ability to sustain that potential for over two decades. An unrepeatable mix of talent, physical power and dedication, combined with an almost scientific care of his body, has allowed him to maintain a level of dominance never seen before. Here are some of his records related to longevity on the playing field:
- Most seasons played: with the 2025-26 season, he will reach 23 seasons in the NBA, surpassing Vince Carter’s previous record (22). With 1,562 regular season games played under his belt.
- Most All-Star Game selections: holds the all-time record with 21 calls consecutive, a testament to his continued superstar status.
- Most All-NBA selections: he is the player with the most selections ever in the best quintets of the league (first, second or third), with ben 21 appointmentsdemonstrating how he has been considered one of the best players in the world for over twenty years.
- Most Playoff Games Played: LeBron played 292 playoff games, reaching 10 finals (of which 8 consecutive), winning 4.
LeBron James is the King of basketball: over 40,000 points scored in his career
If there is a record that defines LeBron’s greatness it is that of the best scorer in the history of American basketball, the result of consistency, power and the ability to adapt his playing style in various eras. Over the decades, he has transformed his game, becoming a well-rounded player: the ability to score in all ways and from every position (both from 2 and 3 points) has combined the ability to pass and manage the ball like a point guard and an impact even in the defensive half of the field with blocks and steals.
- Record points in Regular Season: he is the best scorer in NBA history with 42,184, having surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s almost mythological record (38,387) on the night between February 7 and 8, 2023 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is the only player to have broken through the wall of 40,000 points in career.
- Record points in Playoffs: his dominance extends to the postseason as well. He is the all-time leader in points scored in the playoffs with 8,289with a huge margin over second in the ranking, Michael Jordan (5,987).
- Streak of games with more than 10 points: holds one of the most incredible streaks in modern sport, with over 1,200 consecutive games championship in which he scored at least 10 points. The last time he failed was in 2007.
- The exclusive “40-10-10” club: he is the only player in the history of basketball to be part of this circle, having accumulated at least in his career 40,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists. This record, more than any other, certifies his uniqueness as a total player, capable of dominating in every aspect of the game.
King’s palmares: NBA titles, MVP and Olympic gold medals
His longevity has translated over the years into an extraordinary palmarès (list of awards obtained for his business). He won 4 NBA titles with three different teams (Miami Heat in 2012, Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, Los Angeles Lakers in 2021), being named 4-time Finals MVP (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020) e 4 times Regular Season MVP (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013) – the October to April regular season of 82 games. With the US national team, he enriched his showcase with 3 Olympic gold medals (Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Paris 2024) and a bronze (Athens 2004).
