LeBron James Makes History with 23rd Season Debut as Lakers Crush Jazz 140-126

LeBron James didn’t just step onto the court on November 18, 2025—he rewrote history. At Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the 39-year-old icon played his first game of the 2025-26 season, becoming the first player in NBA history to begin a 23rd season. With 11 points, 12 assists, and two three-pointers in just 28 minutes, James didn’t need to score heavily to make his mark. The real story? The Los Angeles Lakers blew out the Utah Jazz 140-126, fueled by a career-high 37 points from new teammate Luka Dončić, who added 10 assists and looked every bit the franchise cornerstone the Lakers hoped he’d become.

A New Chapter, a New Record

LeBron James entered the game with 22 seasons already behind him, having surpassed Vince Carter’s previous record of 22 NBA campaigns. But this wasn’t just about longevity. It was about relevance. At 39, James wasn’t just playing—he was orchestrating. His 12 assists weren’t just numbers; they were proof he still sees the game three steps ahead. "He’s not slowing down," said Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy after the game. "He’s adapting. He’s teaching. And he’s still the best passer in the league." The milestone wasn’t lost on fans. The arena buzzed with chants of "LEBRON! LEBRON!" long before tip-off. Social media exploded with clips of James shaking hands with officials, adjusting his jersey with the same calm focus he’s had since 2003. Even Jazz players, many of whom weren’t born when James debuted, stood in awe as he warmed up.

Dončić Steals the Show—Again

While James made history, it was Luka Dončić who dominated the scoreboard. The Slovenian phenom shot 12-of-22 from the field, drained three threes, and added 10 assists with zero turnovers. His 37 points were the most by any Laker in a season opener since Kobe Bryant in 2006. Dončić’s ability to create his own shot—and find open teammates—made the Lakers’ offense look like a symphony. "He’s not just a scorer," said Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who chipped in 26 points but struggled with four turnovers. "He makes everyone better. And with LeBron on the floor? It’s terrifying."

The Adjustments: Chemistry Takes Time

But it wasn’t perfect. Analyst Jovan Buha, in his post-game breakdown, noted that the Lakers’ signature transition game—the one built on LeBron’s vision and DeAndre Jordan’s rim-running—was still finding its rhythm. "We didn’t see the advantage creation we expected," Buha said. "LeBron’s used to making pocket passes at a high frequency. DeAndre prefers lobs. That’s an adjustment period." The starting lineup—Dončić, Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith (referred to as "Eightton" in Buha’s transcript), Ismaël Kamagate (known as "Guye" in broadcasts), and Dennis Schröder—showed flashes of brilliance but also miscommunications. Schröder grabbed eight rebounds in the first half alone, but his passing was erratic. Kamagate, the 7-foot-3 defensive anchor, had five points and nine rebounds, but struggled with foul trouble. "We need a few games," head coach JJ Redick admitted when asked about the team’s cohesion. "I don’t think he liked my question," Buha joked, referencing Redick’s terse response. "But he’s right. This group hasn’t practiced together yet."

The Bigger Picture: Legacy Meets the Future

This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. The Lakers, now 11-4, are no longer a team rebuilding around James. They’re a team redefining what’s possible with him at the helm. Dončić, 26, is the future. James, 39, is the bridge. Together, they’ve created a rare dynamic: a generational playmaker paired with the greatest of all time, both still performing at elite levels. The Jazz, meanwhile, showed grit. Keyonte George played 32 minutes and kept Utah competitive, while Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk failed to replicate his opening-night double-double from last season. Center Jusuf Nurkić picked up a crucial foul late in the third that led to a free-throw sequence that extended the Lakers’ lead to 18—effectively sealing the game.

What’s Next? Practice, Then Denver

The Lakers’ next practice was scheduled for later that week, as the team prepares for a back-to-back road game against the Denver Nuggets on November 21, 2025. That game will be a true test: can this new-look Lakers team sustain its offensive firepower against Nikola Jokić’s Nuggets, who are also 11-4 and playing at home? "It’s not about how many points LeBron scores," said former NBA GM Jerry West in a recent interview. "It’s about how many wins he makes possible. And right now? He’s making them look easy."

Historical Context: The 23rd Season Phenomenon

No player in NBA history had ever reached a 23rd season. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played 20. Robert Parish and Kevin Willis each played 21. Vince Carter, the previous record holder, played 22 seasons across eight teams before retiring in 2020. James, who entered the league straight out of high school in 2003, has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and now the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s won four MVPs, four championships, and two Olympic golds. His longevity isn’t luck—it’s discipline, science, and an almost supernatural work ethic.

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