Age Is Just a Number for LeBron James

LeBron James is 40 years old, but he does not show any signs of "old age" during his first game of the NBA season this year. James also displayed no indications that he had just been absent from the court for seven months.

Looking at James' career history, it is not surprising that he immediately showcased his star quality in his first appearance after a long injury. James played a significant role in the victory of the Los Angeles Lakers over the Utah Jazz in Los Angeles, Wednesday (19/11/2025 WIB).

James scored 11 points, 12 assists, and three rebounds while starting and playing for 29 minutes to secure a decisive victory of 140-126 over the Jazz. What was slightly different this time was that it was not the number of points that constituted James's main contribution, but rather his role as an impressively effective playmaker.

As a power forward, James stands out because he also possesses the ability to orchestrate an offense like a point guard. In addition to his athleticism, James combines this with a high basketball IQ, making him one of the best passers in NBA history.

"The speed of the game tested me, but I was happy with the way I played with the guys," James said after the match.

"As the match progressed, my rhythm of play improved. I gained momentum in the second, then the third. This was the first match after almost seven months, and everything that happened tonight was somewhat predictable," James continued.

James has been sidelined since the start of training camp due to sciatica, which has kept him out of the preseason and the Lakers' first 14 games of the season. James, who has not missed a season opener since he began playing organized basketball three decades ago, returned to full contact last week before participating in his first practice of the new season on Monday (November 17, 2025).

James is aware that many are questioning whether his presence on the court will disrupt the harmony of the Lakers during games. Without James, the Lakers have performed quite impressively with a record of 10-4.

In response to this, the player with four NBA championship rings simply laughed. He denied that his playing style was incompatible with the other players, especially Luka Doncic, who is currently a star and the future of the Lakers.

"I get along with anyone. I don't even understand why that is a question. What is wrong with the people here? I can easily blend in with anyone," said James.

"By watching them in the first 14 matches, I positioned myself (mentally) while watching, thinking about how I could help the team and how I could assist them. I can still draw the attention of the (opponent) when in possession of the ball," explained James.

About 30 minutes before tipoff against the Jazz, the Lakers confirmed James would start for the 1,561st time in his 1,563 regular-season games. He received a standing ovation when announced as the starter in the Lakers' starting lineup.

James did not score any points in his first 11 minutes on the court, but he was able to quickly find his rhythm. After making two three-point shots in the second quarter, he recorded eight assists in the last two quarters — including six assists in just about three minutes at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Lakers center Deandre Ayton appeared impressed with James' pass during his first game with his new teammates. Ayton said it was the second time he'd received one from James — the first was at James' basketball camp in Las Vegas when he was in eighth grade.

"He played with enthusiasm, not selfishly. He is a great passer. He does not force himself. He makes penetrations and shoots when necessary. The opponent's defense will be wary of him, and I think he made a lot of great decisions tonight. I am very happy he is back," said Lakers coach JJ Redick.

James revealed that his body is not actually in ideal condition to play, but he is eager to embark on the latest significant achievement in his long career. Redick, who was impressed by James' fitness, stated that James could play longer if Utah provides a tough challenge.

"LeBron, for those of us who have played with him, or for those who grew up watching him, is a superhero," said Redick, who played for 15 seasons in the NBA. "What he does in this game, only a handful of people are capable of doing it."

James is the first player to compete in 23 NBA seasons. Vince Carter played for 22 seasons, which ended in 2020. Five players have surpassed 21 seasons, namely Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, and Chris Paul, who is currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.

With this final game, James is now just 48 games shy of Parish's record for most regular-season games (1,611). James holds the NBA record for total regular-season and playoff games with 1,855—58 more than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar—and the record for total minutes played.

James has repeatedly said he doesn't assume this season will be his last, but he also hasn't confirmed whether he will play again next season. Leading up to this season, James has been busy recovering from injuries, including a sprained knee ligament suffered in the Lakers' playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and sciatica — pain that travels down the back of his leg.

James became the leading scorer in NBA history in February 2023. Last March, he became the first NBA player to score a total of 50,000 points in the regular season and playoffs.

He also achieved four NBA Finals MVP awards, four regular season MVPs, and was selected to the All-Star game 21 times. His career began with the Cleveland Cavaliers in October 2003, a year before the birth of his eldest son and current Lakers teammate, Bronny James.

James has only won one title for the Lakers, during the 2020 NBA bubble season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Los Angeles' next game isn't until Sunday, November 23, 2025, again against the Jazz in Salt Lake City. The Lakers will have at least two practices before then, allowing James to find chemistry with his teammates.

"I don't need to worry about compatibility. This is a great group. Everyone enjoys being around each other, sacrificing for one another, playing for one another. (I just need to) get my rhythm back," said James.

If James can build chemistry with the other players, especially Doncic, the Lakers will be even more dangerous. For James, age is just a number. Other teams need to be wary. (AP)