2025-26 NBA Season: Milestones Await LeBron James, Durant, Jokic, and More

The NBA’s 80th season kicks off with potential history in the making

The 2025-26 NBA season is set to tip off on October 21, and with it comes the promise of another exciting campaign filled with emerging stars, memorable moments, and records that could be shattered. As the league celebrates its 80th season, several veterans like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic have the opportunity to further cement their legacies in NBA history.

LeBron James can further cement his legacy this season by becoming the all-time leading scorer in field shots, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Michael Schwartz, ESPN Research

LeBron James: The Chasing Records King

At the start of his 23rd season, LeBron James will not only surpass Vince Carter’s record for the most NBA seasons played but also have a chance to become the league’s all-time leader in games played. Here are some milestones “The King” could reach this season:

• Surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in field shots.
• Become the first player in NBA history to play in a game at the age of both 19 and 40.
• Surpass Reggie Miller for the sixth spot on the all-time list for three-pointers made.

Veterans Rising in the Scoring Charts

In addition to LeBron, other veterans like Kevin Durant and James Harden are poised to climb the all-time scoring ladder. Durant needs just 849 points to overtake Wilt Chamberlain for the seventh spot, while Harden is within reach of both Carmelo Anthony and Shaquille O’Neal for the ninth and tenth spots, respectively.

Assist Leaders Aim for Top Spots

James Harden and Russell Westbrook are both chasing history in the assist category. Harden is 746 assists shy of joining the top 10, while Westbrook looks to become the eighth player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career assists and could climb as high as fifth on the all-time list.

Curry, Thompson, and George Aim for Triple Threat

Stephen Curry is on the verge of becoming the first player to make 5,000 career three-pointers, while his former Splash Brother, Klay Thompson, could pass Damian Lillard for the fourth spot on the all-time list. Additionally, Paul George needs just 102 triples to overtake Kyle Korver for the eighth spot.

Jokic and Doncic Closing in on Triple-Double History

Nikola Jokic, fresh off becoming the first player in NBA history to record a triple-double with 30-20-20, is just 18 triple-doubles away from surpassing Oscar Robertson for the second spot on the all-time list. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is 18 triple-doubles away from becoming the seventh player to reach 100 in his career and could pass Jason Kidd for the sixth spot.

Coaches in the Race for Wins

Veteran coaches Doc Rivers and Rick Carlisle are both within striking distance of top-10 spots on the all-time wins list. Rivers needs just 14 wins to pass George Karl for the sixth spot, while Carlisle is 50 wins away from entering the top 10.

Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 Season

The 2025-26 NBA season promises to be another exciting and historic campaign as several veterans chase down legendary milestones. As fans and analysts alike await the start of the season, the league’s 80th anniversary is sure to be a season to remember.

FAQs

What records are LeBron James most likely to break this season?

LeBron James is likely to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record in field shots and could also become the first player in NBA history to play in a game at the age of both 19 and 40.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Stephen Curry’s three-point shooting this season. If he continues his pace, he could become the first player to make 5,000 career three-pointers.

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