Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James’ career might be one of the most impressive examples of longevity in the history of professional sports. Not only has James played 22 seasons in the NBA, but he’s been a premier player for the entirety of that time.
James is also knocking on the door of making NBA history regarding his longevity. Should he opt to continue his career in the 2025-26 season, that would mark his 23rd campaign in the league and set a record for the most seasons played by one player.
Nevertheless, former NBA big man Olden Polynice, who was selected with a top-10 pick in the 1987 NBA Draft, thinks James’ longevity is becoming “a little bit too much” in the sense that he doesn’t have much more to accomplish. Moreover, he doesn’t think James has a shot at a fifth championship ring “unless he buys one.
James has accomplished just about everything a player could realistically hope for during his time in the NBA. On top of James’ four championships on his resume, he’s also earned league MVP awards, Finals MVP awards and received countless All-Star and All-NBA selections.
James getting a fifth ring would tie him with another all-time great player and Lakers legend in championships won. Lakers icon Kobe Bryant won five championships, and he earned all of those titles playing for the distinguished Lakers organization.
Granted, in defense of Polynice’s belief that James isn’t going to add to his collection of rings, the Lakers were far away from winning a championship this season, as they didn’t win a single playoff series in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. James’ Lakers fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the opening round.
James has already cemented himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA, but he could further strengthen his G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) case by winning a fifth ring before his retirement, even though it doesn’t seem incredibly likely that he will at this juncture.
Hopefully, the Lakers will find ways to improve their roster around James and fellow star Luka Doncic via trades or signings this offseason
