By Matija Šerić
LeBron James, by deciding to continue playing in the current NBA season, became the first player in history to enter his 23rd NBA season. No one had ever achieved this before. Vince Carter, Robert Parish, and Kevin Willis each played 22 seasons and were the previous record holders. Michael Jordan played 15 seasons, and Karl Malone played 20 (though many perceive both as having spent more time on the court).
However, LeBron went one step further than all of them and became a historic legend when he played the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 18 last year, which his LA Lakers won 140-126. Despite missing the first 14 games due to sciatica and turning 41 on December 30, these challenges do not stop LeBron from continuing to play basketball at a high level.
Impressive Statistics
Statistics are sometimes called “the sum of inaccurate data,” yet they remain an undeniable indicator of a player’s performance. At the time of writing, James has played 30 games, starting in all of them. He averages 33 minutes per game, scoring 21.9 points, adding 6.6 assists, recording 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks. His field goal percentage is 50.2%, three-point percentage 32.8%, and free-throw percentage 75.2%. While slightly below his career averages, this performance is not drastically lower. Over his career, LeBron averages 26.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, with shooting percentages varying only by one or two percent compared to this season.
Highlights of the current season
Criticism from Fans Who Don’t Fully Understand Basketball
Without LeBron, the Lakers have a record of 11-6 in 17 games (65% wins), while with him, they are 18-12 (60% wins). Some critics, mostly Lakers fans, use this as “proof” that LeBron is a burden rather than an asset, suggesting he should be traded or released. However, this is a shallow assessment. In games with him, the Lakers faced strong teams like the Spurs, Rockets, Pistons, and Cavs. Losses are usually due to poor team performance or unfavorable matchups. Blaming LeBron alone is incorrect; the whole team shares responsibility. Lakers’ losses are far more the result of roster limitations, defensive issues, and shooting inconsistencies than of LeBron’s presence on the court.
Evolution – The Hallmark of LeBron’s Game
Although LeBron’s peak years were from 2011 to 2018, he still provides immense value to his team. Wherever he has played—from Cleveland to Miami to LA—he has evolved and adapted to the trends of American basketball. After the arrival of Luka Dončić last year, LeBron lost his status as the team’s number one star but worked tirelessly in preseason to adapt to playing alongside Dončić and Austin Reaves, forming the team’s main trio. LeBron remains an indispensable cog for the Lakers, considering their current roster.
A Leader Defined by Courage
Whenever LeBron is on the court, opposing teams respect and fear him, which gives the Lakers an immediate boost. He carries the status of a superstar and a leader unafraid to take responsibility in crucial moments. For instance, on December 4, in a 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors, James assisted Rui Hachimura for a buzzer-beating three-pointer. On January 13, in a 141-116 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, he recorded 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists—just one rebound shy of becoming the oldest player in NBA history to achieve a triple-double with 30+ points, surpassing Kobe Bryant and achieving the most double-double games with 30+ points in Lakers history.
JJ Redick about LBJ
An Unofficial Assistant Coach
LeBron functions as an extension of the coach on the court. He reads defenses faster than many point guards, slows or speeds up the game as needed, and relieves Dončić from constantly orchestrating the offense. He acts as a playmaker without being one and also serves as a mentor and leader—not only to his son Bronny James but to most teammates, including Reaves and Hachimura. His influence extends beyond games to practices and life habits, helping teammates adopt a professional approach to basketball.
Versatile in Tactics and Rotation
LeBron is versatile and tactically adaptable. While his ideal position is small forward, he can easily play shooting guard, power forward, point guard, or even center. His off-ball movement, setting screens, and exploiting mismatches open up opportunities for Dončić and other shooters such as Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart. Although he is no longer an elite defender (he never was), he positions himself correctly in crucial moments, helps protect the rim, and organizes the team’s defense—thanks to his immense basketball IQ.
JJ Redick Appreciates LeBron’s Contribution
Recently, it was reported that Lakers owner Jeanie Buss does not sufficiently value LeBron’s contributions. This was denied by Buss and also by coach JJ Redick, who said: “I’ve been here two years, and everyone in this organization values LeBron and what he has done for the Lakers. He has carried the legacy and the burden of being a superstar in Los Angeles for eight years.” Redick continued: “And he has done it with class. Personally, I can confirm he gives everything he has, 10 out of 10. That doesn’t mean we don’t sometimes disagree, but I know this man will give his all.”
James talks retirement
LeBron Brings Continuity to the Lakers
The Lakers initially signed James as a free agent in the 2018 offseason. He has spent eight seasons with the franchise, helping Los Angeles win the 2020 NBA title and the 2023 NBA Cup in its first edition, earning Finals MVP honors both times. Since then, the Lakers have only once been eliminated in the first round, in 2021-22, finishing 11th in the Western Conference.
LeBron has consistently played at an elite NBA level. In a Lakers uniform, he became the league’s all-time leading scorer on February 7, 2023, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He has scored over 51,000 points in regular season and playoff games combined. In his incredible 23rd NBA season, he has maintained a remarkable streak—21 consecutive years selected to an All-NBA team, proving his long-term dominance and commitment to the game.
An Uncertain Future
LeBron’s contract with the Lakers expires at the end of the season, leaving his future uncertain. He has said he doesn’t yet know what will happen—whether he will continue playing or retire. As a free agent, he could negotiate a new contract with the Lakers or join another team. If he stays in LA, he would likely need to accept a significant pay cut from his current $52 million salary, as Dirk Nowitzki once did in Dallas. If he leaves, a return to Cleveland seems likely.
On January 28, the Cavaliers demolished the Lakers 129-99. LeBron’s visit to Rocket Arena was emotional, as it may have been his last time there. He was moved to tears while watching a video tribute highlighting his time with the Cavs. This season seems to carry a special significance, with the number 23 marked on his jersey through the end of the season—a signal that this could indeed be his final year. His jersey with the number 23 will be auctioned publicly.
We’re Lucky LeBron is Still Playing
The season is far from over, and LeBron James is still on the court. He will attempt to lead the Lakers to the playoffs and a high finish. A new championship ring remains the dream for Lakers fans—difficult but not impossible. Currently, the Lakers sit 6th in the tough Western Conference with a 29-18 record, and it is realistic they could finish in the top 4, securing home-court advantage in the playoffs. Night after night, LeBron continues to showcase the magic that makes him one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Many would say he is the very best.
