LeBron James Achieves Milestone in NBA Career
In a remarkable milestone for his extensive career, LeBron James has now faced off against 1,822 different players throughout his 23 years in the NBA, as he lined up against Yang Hansen of the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night at the Moda Center. This statistic translates to an impressive 33.8% of all individuals who have ever played in the league, a figure reported by Stathead and shared by basketball analyst Tom Haberstroh on January 18, 2026.
Career Statistics and Longevity
This figure marks a slight decrease from earlier in his career; during the 2023-24 NBA season, James noted on social media that he had played against approximately 35% of all NBA competitors, a statistic that he initially described as “insane.” At that time, he had just surpassed the milestone of 1,669 opponents faced. Despite the recent update of his stats, this achievement is yet another testament to his longevity and prowess in the sport, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
Recent Performance and Challenges
In the recent game against the Trail Blazers, which culminated in a 132-116 defeat for the Lakers, James came close to a triple-double, contributing 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. This game marked his 23rd appearance of the current season, where he has been averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 assists, and six rebounds per game. Now 41 years old, James’s physical condition has come into focus, especially since he has already been managing injuries, including sitting out the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica. To remain eligible for All-NBA honors and postseason accolades, he can afford to miss only one more game this season.
Legacy and Impact
While James has certainly amassed numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career—including four MVP awards, an all-time scoring title, and four championships—this latest stat highlights his extensive impact and presence in the game, further demonstrating how he has left an indelible mark on the history of professional basketball.
