LeBron James Kicks Off Record 23rd NBA Season: Inside The Lakers Star’s Historic Season Debut
You know, someday we will look back and wonder how LeBron James managed to keep bending time. Weeks from turning 41, in an era where stars age well but rarely like this, James is still commanding triple-teams and dictating pace as if it were 2012 again. And on November 19, he added another chapter: the very start of an NBA-record 23rd season.
His return came with a twist, though. For the first time in 22 years, James was introduced first in the Lakers’ lineup, a flip from the tradition where he was always the final name called. However, even that didn’t shake the moment. Because once the ball went up, the league’s longest-running headliner immediately reminded everyone he’s still the engine. And right before that season debut, James even dropped a blunt health update.
LeBron James is the first player introduced in the starting lineup after 22 seasons of being the last 🥲 pic.twitter.com/YP8WlG85Xo
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) November 19, 2025
James played 30 minutes in the Lakers’ 140-126 win over Utah, dropping a double-double with 11 points and 12 assists, hitting 4-of-7 from the field, and stacking six assists in just 3:15. Per WitnessKJ, the timing and pace looked vintage.
The Lakers FG’s from 10:44-7:29 in the 4th:
— Witness King James (@WITNESSKJ) November 19, 2025
👑 LeBron ASSIST (Hayes Dunk)
👑 LeBron ASSIST (Gabe Three)
👑 LeBron ASSIST (Ayton Layup)
👑 LeBron ASSIST (Ayton Layup)
👑 LeBron ASSIST (Jake Dunk)
👑 LeBron ASSIST (Jake Three)
6 AST in 3 minutes & 15 seconds… 🤯 pic.twitter.com/UiNZJMsNat
JJ Redick loved it: “He played with the right spirit. Very unselfish all night.”
“He played with the right spirit. Very unselfish all night.”
Having missed opening night for the first time in his career due to sciatica, there were zero signs of discomfort. Two threes, clean burst, full command as the Lakers’ facilitator-in-chief, all while Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves carried the scoring load.
Doncic summed it up: “It’s his 23rd season. It’s insane.”
“It’s his 23rd season. It’s insane.”
New role, new intro order, same King James.
What Lakers Are Closely Watching As LeBron James Returns
Lakers insiders are locked in as James returns after missing 14 games with sciatica, per ESPN’s latest reporting. His comeback instantly reshapes rotations, chemistry, and expectations. The primary internal focus is on how quickly he regains All-NBA form in his 23rd season and whether his body can withstand the grind.
Staffers are also tracking how his presence affects Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, whether he enhances their games or hinders their growth. And the Ayton fit is a major subplot. Some believe LeBron James unlocks him. Others expect friction. Every piece shifts now that No. 23 is back.
LeBron James Kicks Off Record 23rd NBA Season: Inside The Lakers Star’s Historic Season Debut
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