Despite missing the start of the season due to sciatica, LeBron James is playing his 23rd season in the league, something unprecedented in NBA history, becoming the first player ever to reach this milestone (Vince Carter follows with 22).
For more than two decades, King James’ legacy has been indisputable, but his possible and imminent retirement has made the Los Angeles Lakers star think about the mark he will leave behind. However, for the four-time NBA champion, his greatest achievement was never on the court.
LeBron reveals his greatest legacy
LBJ began his NBA career after being selected with the No. 1 pick in the draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played from 2003 to 2010. After a stint with the Miami Heat from 2010 to 2014, he returned to the Cavaliers, where he remained from 2014 to 2018 and won the historic 2016 title. Then, in 2018, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers and won his fourth ring in 2020.
On Monday, the three-time Olympic medalist proved he is a key player for the Purple and Gold in the team’s 109-125 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. In 30 minutes of action, James scored 25 points to lead the game in scoring, with 7 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals.
However, after the game, LBJ was asked by the press what people would be talking about him in 20 years.
Analysts would say that what will transcend in LeBron’s life is the fact that he performs at a high level despite his longevity. For many fans, it will be The Akron Hammer’s ability to retire from the court as one of the best players in the league. But the 21-time All-NBA selection’s response moved everyone: “My legacy is my kids, that’s the most important [one],” he said.
“My kids, my community, my family. That’s all that matters to me. Basketball, and things of that nature, obviously have given me an unbelievable platform to do the things that I love to do and given me the opportunity to inspire the youth over 23 years, the last 2 decades, but my legacy is going to go through my kids,” LeBron asserted.
“For me personally, my legacy is going to go through my kids, go through my community, and the things that I do to continue to inspire. It will be talked about [by] other folks, and hopefully in a good way,” he added.
LeBron married his high school sweetheart, Savannah James, in 2013. Together with the businesswoman and philanthropist, he started a family and welcomed LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. in 2004, Bryce Maximus James in 2007, and Zhuri Nova James in 2014.
His eldest son was drafted by the Lakers, and in 2024, they became the first father-son duo to play simultaneously in the league. His second son shines at the University of Arizona, and his only daughter is known for her talent in volleyball and her presence on social media and YouTube.
Meanwhile, in the 2025-26 NBA season, James is averaging 22.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game with the Los Angeles Lakers and has not expressed a desire to end his career this year.
However, LBJ is in the final year of his contract with the Lakers, so his continuity not only in the league but also on the team is uncertain.
Meanwhile, James and the Lakers (30-19) are preparing to host the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, February 5.
