LeBron James returned to the court Tuesday night, officially beginning his record-setting 23rd NBA season after sciatica nerve pain delayed his debut by nearly a month. The 40-year-old missed the Lakers’ first 14 games as the condition sent sharp pain down his leg — enough to spark questions about how much longer he could keep going.
But James put that speculation to rest. In his first game back, he assisted on the final bucket in a 104–93 win over the Utah Jazz, showing he can still control the moment when it counts.
After the game, James took a moment to reflect on his longevity and everything he’s accomplished over more than two decades in the league.
“It’s something I haven’t been able to do for my whole career,” James said. “I think I’ll really enjoy being able to look back and see what I’ve accomplished, and the great group of guys I was around.”
For South Florida fans, it was also a reminder of why James remains a Miami Heat legend, leading the team to four straight Finals and two NBA championships during one of the most dominant stretches in franchise history.
With season 23 underway, James continues to show that even at 40, the King isn’t close to stepping off his throne.
