Most seasons in the NBA: How LeBron James will make history with his Lakers debut in 2024

It’s going to be another outstanding year for LeBron James.

After rewriting the history books as the league’s all-time leading scorer and the first player to score 40,000 points in NBA history, James won’t even need a minute to rewrite the history books this season. Once the 39-year-old steps onto the floor on opening night, James will set an NBA longevity record.

James, the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, will begin his 22nd season in the NBA, tying a record previously held by Vince Carter.

Here’s James’ record in NBA history, the next record he can break, and where other active players can compete.

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Most seasons were played in the NBA

James will tie Carter’s record with his 22nd NBA season in 2024-25. James, who was drafted at age 18, will turn 40 in the 2024-25 NBA season.

Only six players in NBA history have played more than 21 seasons: Carter, James, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Robert Parish and Kevin Willis. After earning All-NBA honors in 2023-24, James will once again use his experience to redefine what is expected of a player.

The most seasons ever have been played in the NBA

rank	player	Seasons	career
1.	Vince Carter	22	1998-2020
	LeBron James	22	2003-present
3.	Kevin Garnett	21	1995-2016
	Dirk Nowitzki	21	1998-2019
	Robert Parish	21	1976-1997
	Kevin Willis	21	1984-88, 1989-2005, 2006-07

POSITIONAL RANKING: PG | SG | SF | PF | C

In addition to James, Chris Paul will also exceed the 20-season hurdle in the 2024/25 season. Kyle Lowry of Philadelphia is entering the 19th grade, while both Mike Conley and Al Horford are entering the 18th grade.

Kevin Durant and Jeff Green were also members of the 2007 NBA Draft class, but each player missed a full season, meaning the 2024-25 season will be their 17th.

Most seasons active players played in the NBA

rank	player	Seasons	Draft year
1.	LeBron James	22	2003
2.	Chris Paul	20	2005
3.	Kyle Lowry	19	2006
4.	Mike Conley	18	2007
	Al Horford	18	2007

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Most games in NBA history

James can move up the all-time list in regular season games played, but won’t make it to the top spot all-time in the 2024-25 season. He can move into second all-time if he plays in 69 of 82 games this season.

James is currently on a two-year contract and can move up to the No. 1 spot by averaging 60 games over the next two seasons. Paul is second among active players with 1,272 games played.

Most games in NBA history

rank	player	games
1.	Robert Parish	1,611
2.	Kareem Abdul Jabbar	1,560
3.	Vince Carter	1,541
4.	Dirk Nowitzki	1,522
5.	John Stockton	1,504
6.	LeBron James	1,492
7.	Karl Malone	1,476
8.	Kevin Garnett	1,462
9.	Kevin Willis	1,424
10.	Jason Terry	1,410