LeBron James begins record NBA season
The 41-year-old American will become the first player to begin his 24th NBA season.
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LeBron James begins his 24th season in the NBA on Tuesday. According to NBA.com, the 41-year-old forward will thereby extend his record for the number of seasons played in the American basketball league.
James opens the season with his new team against the New York Knicks. The match is scheduled for the first night of the 2026–2027 NBA season. NBA.com calls it his 24th season and describes him as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
The achievement is notable because few players remain active at the highest level for so long. According to the NBA’s career profile, James made his debut in 2003 and has since played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. The profile also mentions multiple NBA titles and Olympic appearances.
The NBA calls James the competition’s all-time leading scorer. How many minutes and games he will play this season remains to be seen.
James is not the only player extending his career, but the combination of his age, productivity and public role makes the season exceptional. The NBA is also using his start as part of the broader season opening and the international promotion of the competition.
A sporting assessment of his eventual performances can only be made after the season. For now, what is clear above all is that James is reaching a historic number of seasons again and that his career remains a central story within the NBA.
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Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
Official NBA sources confirm the 24th season and the season opening. The article is limited to career facts and makes no predictions about the result or future records.
Editor's note
The NBA confirms the 24th season and the season opening. Future performances and James’s precise role have not been presented as facts in advance.Sources
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