Do you ever just sit back and remember LeBron James is in the 23rd season of his historic career? Does it ever truly sink in how unfathomable that is, considering the quality of player that is showcased by the Los Angeles Lakers superstar?
James set a new NBA record when he suited up for his first matchup of the season against the Utah Jazz. LeBron broke a tie with Vince Carter for the most seasons played in league history.
In his 22nd season, Carter was a modest contributor off the bench, at best. The Hall of Famer averaged 5.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 14.6 minutes per game, shooting 35.2 percent from the field and 30.2 percent from beyond the arc for the Atlanta Hawks.
James' numbers to start the year are fairly modest too, by his standards. The fact of the matter is that his standard is so much higher than any of his predecessors at this point. There is an inescapable feeling that LeBron is still getting geared up and getting his footing. That is absurd.
Everyone drafted after LeBron is fading fast — yet he’s just warming up
After putting up 17 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in his second game of the new season, James was more than happy to remind everyone this was only the beginning. His sciatica injury pushed his start date back a ton.
"This week was kind of like my training camp," James told the media. "I didn't get an opportunity to practice with the guys at all, throughout camp, throughout the preseason. So, I'm still working my way back."
For an older player like James, it can take a bit of time to really hit his stride. That proved to be the case in 2024-25.
James averaged 22.3 points per game, with a field goal percentage of 49.8, from the start of the year through the end of November. In the months of December and January, LeBron's scoring jumped up to 25.0 points on 52.1 percent from the field.
It took time for the body to really adjust. However, even James at his weaker self early in the season is still stronger than his peers.
LeBron is obviously the only player still active from his draft class. ESPN recently reminded everyone just how ludicrous it is to still have a member of the 2003 NBA Draft still playing this well.
The 2004 draft is all gone. Chris Paul, the lone holdout from 2005, announced his intentions to retire after the season. The 2006 class is represented by just Kyle Lowry at this point. The future Hall of Fame point guard barely touches the floor anymore.
Even in deferring to his more youthful co-stars of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, James is still fully expected to round into form as no worse than the Lakers' third-best player. What a true spectacle that is to witness.