As the 2025–26 NBA season tips off, three veterans are making history: LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Kyle Lowry are now the most senior trio in league history to each reach the 20-season milestone simultaneously.
Longevity, Legacy & Leadership
- LeBron James begins what will be his 23rd NBA season, further extending his own longevity record.
- Chris Paul joins the new campaign entering his 21st season, after becoming the first player ever to start all 82 games in his 20th year.
- Kyle Lowry now officially hits his 20th season. Even as he suits up, he’s already preparing for life off the court—joining Amazon Prime as an analyst while continuing to play.
Their combined NBA salaries have exceeded $1.2 billion, a testament to not just performance, but enduring value.
What It Takes to Last
These three exemplify an unwavering love for the game and a strict dedication to their personal regimens. As James put it:
“The love of the game is still high. The love of the process is even higher.”
Chris Paul echoes the mindset:
“Showing up every day … I plan on bringing that to this team.”
Meanwhile, Lowry balances two roles—on the hardwood and in the broadcast booth—reflecting both passion and foresight.
A Brief History of NBA’s 20-Year Club
The NBA has always reserved 20+ seasons for the rarest of careers.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the first to reach it (1988–89).
- Other names include Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, Jamal Crawford, and Udonis Haslem.
Yet never before have three players entered 20+ seasons at once—until now.
Why It Matters
- These veterans are living blueprints for consistency, discipline, and adaptation in a league that’s increasingly faster and more physically demanding.
- Younger players, coaches, and the NBA community at large look to them as benchmarks—not just for statistical milestones, but for career longevity.
- Their stories reaffirm that longevity in professional sports isn’t just talent—it’s also resilience, reinvention, and relentless care for body and mind.