LeBron James' 23rd NBA season journey through eight cities in 2025-26

LeBron James missed 14 games to start his 23rd NBA season due to sciatica but returned stronger, reflecting on longevity and legacy.

Season start marred by injury LeBron James' 23rd NBA campaign began with unexpected pain when sciatica forced him from a summer workout into missing 14 games at the start of the 2025-26 season. The setback cost him his streak of season-opening starts since his rookie year, though he dismissed it as a mental challenge. Beyond personal milestones, his absence highlighted how even legendary careers face physical limits. The Lakers also struggled to mesh after acquiring Luka Doncic midseason, making his return on November 18 in Salt Lake City a pivotal moment for both player and franchise. ## Expiring contract adds urgency to season Before the season tipped off, James made a surprising decision by exercising his $52.6 million player option instead of pursuing a new contract. For the first time since joining the Lakers in 2018, he entered the year with an expiring deal, adding pressure to perform at age 41. The move set the stage for a unique storytelling project that would unfold across 23 interviews in eight NBA cities, aiming to reveal untold aspects of his enduring career. ## 10-point scoring streak ends on buzzer-beater On November 18, James returned from injury with a season debut in Utah, where he scored 10 points to extend his historic streak to 1,297 consecutive games with at least 10 points. Three days later in Toronto, he ended the streak on a game-winning three-pointer from Rui Hachimura at the buzzer despite shooting just 4-for-17. Reflecting on the moment, James admitted he had hoped the streak would end, joking about fans fixating on it during games. ## Ankle injury still lingers years later James recalled the March 20, 2021 game against Atlanta where Hawks forward Solomon Hill collided with his right ankle, forcing him out after scoring seven points. The high ankle sprain disrupted what could have been back-to-back titles and a fifth MVP season, leaving him questioning what-ifs. He revealed the injury altered his mobility permanently, saying, "My foot and my ankle ain't been the same since." Even with the pain, he tried playing through it, though he admitted the ankle never fully recovered. ## Antagonists shaped his competitive fire James reflected on rivals like DeShawn Stevenson, Lance Stephenson, Jae Crowder, and Dillon Brooks, who became known for pushing his buttons during games. While Brooks has branded himself as James' nemesis since their 2023 playoff series, James downplayed the distraction, calling such challenges part of his career's narrative. He emphasized playing the game over engaging in trash talk unless provoked, saying, "It's always been about playing the game." His friendship with Draymond Green proved that even heated moments could lead to mutual respect. ## Draymond Green technical foul moment clarified James addressed his famous step-over of Green during the 2016 Finals, clarifying it wasn't intentional disrespect but a play to get back into the action. He denied trying to force Green into a technical foul, insisting his focus was on winning games. Green remained active in later games of that series, including a pivotal Game 7 performance, countering narratives that his absence was the reason Cleveland won the title. ## All-time records James once deemed unbreakable Looking back at his early career, James recalled believing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record and Russell Westbrook's triple-double record were untouchable. He also admired Michael Jordan's six rings, noting how Bob Horry hadn't yet surpassed him in titles during James' rookie year. Now with 23 seasons under his belt, James views records differently, acknowledging that some feats may never be replicated, like John Stockton's assist total, which stands thousands ahead of Magic Johnson and Jason Kidd. ## Eight straight Finals appearances defined his prime James described the relentless grind of reaching eight consecutive NBA Finals from 2011 to 2018, saying he never allowed himself to relax, even after winning or losing. He admitted he thrived on the pressure, whether seeking redemption after losses or chasing repeat titles after victories. The streak remains one of his most defining achievements, though he doubts anyone will ever match it, calling it a product of his youthful intensity. He dismissed criticism about winning only three titles during that span, highlighting his individual milestones like being fastest to 1,000 points and 10,000 points. ## First Nike deal faced heavy scrutiny at 18 James shared the challenges of signing his first Nike contract worth $90 million over seven years before ever playing an NBA game. The deal drew criticism and envy from peers, but he stayed focused on improvement rather than the backlash. With support from his mother and friends, he viewed the contract as motivation to prove he was worth every penny. His mindset centered on constant growth, confident he would validate the deal through performance. ## Early mentors shaped his professional foundation Among the players who offered guidance early in his career were Jason Kidd, Moses Malone, Ken Griffey Jr., and Gary Payton. James credited them for their unwavering support, recalling how they treated him with respect when he arrived in the league. Malone, Payton, and Kidd became trusted figures he could turn to for advice, while Griffey represented the type of excellence he aspired to achieve. Their mentorship helped him navigate the challenges of being a teenage phenom. ## Comparing legacies with Michael Jordan Asked to compare aspects of his game to Jordan's, James emphasized the differences in their styles, noting Jordan prioritized scoring while James operated as a point-forward. He admitted Jordan's midrange shot, post game, and killer instinct were elite, calling him an inspiration during his youth. James refused to compare their greatness directly, saying their games were fundamentally different. He also expressed hope that Jordan would take pride in seeing him wear No. 23. ## Jordan's influence shaped his childhood dreams James recalled how Jordan's dominance in the early 1990s inspired him as a 9-year-old player in Akron, aligning with the timeline of Jordan's final championship in 1998. The parallels between their careers—from Jordan's rise to James' eventual success—felt destined. James admitted Jordan's achievements motivated him to chase greatness, from game-winning shots to his own sneaker line. He embraced the comparison early on but now finds the endless debates tiresome. ## Retirement plans focus on family time As he approaches 41, James revealed his post-career priorities center on spending time with his wife, Savannah, and their three children, acknowledging the sacrifices his family made during his playing days. He joked that his wife would finally get his undivided attention, while also looking forward to bonding with his youngest son in college and daughter who grew up mostly during his career. The grind of basketball has left little room for personal time, but he expressed relief at the thought of stepping away. ## Madison Square Garden remains a special stage James cherished playing at Madison Square Garden, where his showmanship thrived and rivalries felt grander. Reflecting on his relationships with broadcasters like Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony, Richard Jefferson, and Dwyane Wade, he dismissed the idea of following their paths into broadcasting after retirement. Instead, he plans to forge his own journey, focused on family and personal pursuits rather than mimicking others' post-playing careers. ## Origins of the name LeBron James explained his name came from his grandfather's best friend and was loved by his mother, though he hasn’t researched its background. He never heard the name growing up but now sees it shared by a few athletes. James embraced its uniqueness despite fans mispronouncing it as Lee-Bron, LeBryan, and other variations. He always felt pride in it, seeing it as a distinct part of his identity. ## Celebrity connections beyond basketball James shared stories of meeting Leonardo DiCaprio and Al Pacino during a dinner in Beverly Hills, where DiCaprio discussed his film 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' before shooting. The encounter left James impressed by Pacino’s knowledge of their shared love for 'The Godfather,' a film James has watched dozens of times. He related to the movie’s themes of family loyalty and pressure, finding parallels between its characters and his own role as a leader. ## Routine rituals define team bonding James admitted carrying a black electrical tape-covered paper towel box to avoid facial scars from using cloth towels, a quirk stemming from his skin sensitivity. His long-standing warmup zip-up, worn since the 2021-22 season, began as a comfortable workout choice rather than superstition. Pregame rituals like underhand tosses to the rafters and synchronized handshakes became team traditions, fostering camaraderie among players like Dalton Knecht, Luka Doncic, and Maxi Kleber. ## Playing with Bronny fulfills lifelong dream James described the joy of sharing the court with his son Bronny during meaningful minutes, an experience that exceeded his expectations. He hadn’t predetermined their first assist exchange but cherished the milestone, hoping it would come in the form of a fast-break lob. The opportunity arose because of Bronny’s improved confidence and skill, fulfilling a vision James had held since Bronny was young. Their partnership on the court became one of the season’s most heartwarming storylines.