LeBron James’ 21-year NBA streak is at risk, and the basketball world is watching closely as the 2025-26 season unfolds. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, in Salt Lake City, LeBron James delivered another dunk—an image that is familiar, yet increasingly precious as questions mount about how much longer his legendary streak will last.

LeBron James made history this season by debuting in his 23rd NBA campaign, a record for longevity among active players. In his first game back, he posted 11 points, including two three-pointers, and an impressive 12 assists. While the Los Angeles Lakers secured a resounding 140-126 victory over the Utah Jazz, spotlighting Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the bigger story centered around LeBron’s continued presence on the court.

For over two decades, LeBron has maintained a streak of superhuman consistency—playing at least 50 games every season for 21 consecutive years. No player in NBA history has matched this combination of durability, performance, and commitment. The streak encompasses his rookie year in Cleveland, multiple championships with Miami and the Lakers, and each phase of his evolution from phenom to elder statesman.

Now, that streak faces its greatest challenge. At age 40, LeBron is navigating the realities of an aging body. The physical toll of a 23-year NBA career is immense, and even for someone as famously resilient as LeBron, managing injuries and recovery has become ever more difficult. With expectations that he will need increased rest and a measured workload, some analysts believe this could finally be the season his streak ends.

Draymond Green, speaking publicly on the subject, called the prospect of LeBron saving his streak “insane,” recognizing the unprecedented nature of the achievement and the mounting risk if he tries to preserve it at all costs. With modern load management strategies and competitive priorities, even the most determined superstar can be forced to make concessions for health and team performance.

Yet, the streak has become a point of pride—a testament to LeBron’s status as one of the most reliable and durable athletes in major sports. Fans continue to marvel not just at his highlights, but at his ability to remain a fixture in the league’s nightly action for two decades. As he soars for dunks and dishes assists in his 23rd season, the significance of every game is amplified. Every time he steps onto the court, it suggests the streak, and perhaps LeBron himself, still have more history to make.

With the Lakers pushing for another championship run and LeBron’s legacy forever secure, 2025-26 will be defined by whether this remarkable streak can endure. As age and time finally begin to catch up, each game could be a new chapter—or the closing of basketball’s most remarkable era.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI