Lakers Star LeBron James to Pass Vince Carter for NBA History

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is set to pass former Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter to break an NBA record

Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have been through some turmoil this offseason with superstar forward LeBron James, as there has been some uncertainty around his future with the franchise.

James, 40, is arguably the greatest player in NBA history, and his longevity is possibly the main reason for that. For the past 22 years, James has been one of the best players in the league, averaging 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game throughout his career with 21 All-Star appearances, four MVPs, and four NBA championships.

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Now, however, James could be reaching a breaking point with the Los Angeles franchise. The Lakers have shifted their focus from James to Luka Doncic, and the argued GOAT might not be as content with that as the franchise would hope.

The Lakers reportedly informed Luka Dončić about the sale of the team to Mark Walter but never told LeBron James, per @ramonashelburne & @WindhorstESPN

“When the Buss family agreed to sell a majority stake in the franchise to Mark Walter on June 18, Doncic was given a heads-up… pic.twitter.com/hlQxdRpHrn

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 11, 2025

However, despite what his future holds, whether it be retirement or finding a new team, James has already done everything he can throughout his successful career. On top of championships and MVPs, James holds some incredible NBA records.

James has already become the top scorer in NBA history, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in February 2023, and is now set to reach another historic milestone.

LeBron James to make NBA history... again

The NBA announced a highly anticipated opening night matchup between the Lakers and Golden State Warriors for October 21. Of course, this will be an incredible matchup between Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic against Warriors stars Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, but it will be a historic night for James.

2025-26 OPENING NIGHT on NBC and Peacock!

🍿 Shai and the champs get their rings
🍿 KD debuts for Houston
🍿 Year 2 of Steph/Jimmy and Luka/LeBron

NBA Schedule Release presented by @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/zZzj0fpTzd

— NBA (@NBA) August 12, 2025

James is set to pass NBA legend and former Memphis Grizzlies wing Vince Carter for the most seasons played in league history, which will become official on opening night.

Via NBA Communications: "Lakers forward LeBron James is scheduled to begin his 23rd NBA season on opening night.

He is set to pass Vince Carter for the most seasons played in league history."

Lakers forward LeBron James is scheduled to begin his 23rd NBA season on opening night.

He is set to pass Vince Carter for the most seasons played in league history. https://t.co/kgJ4fyZ6tQ pic.twitter.com/OAWTVsNuH3

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 12, 2025

Carter, a Hall of Famer, played 22 seasons in the NBA, spending time with the Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks in the latter years of his career. Of course, Carter's ability to play in the NBA for 22 years is an impressive feat in itself, but James has been on a completely different level.

James has not had any down years throughout his career, never averaging less than 20 points per game, and has not averaged less than 24 points per game since his rookie season. Carter holding that record for a few years was incredible, but it was only a matter of time until James passed him.