Honestly, trying to summarize the career of LeBron James feels like trying to map the Pacific Ocean with a toothpick. LeBron: where do I begin? It’s the question every sports writer, fan, and hater has been asking since about 2003, and somehow, in 2026, the answer just keeps getting more complicated.
We are literally watching a 41-year-old man, in his 23rd NBA season, still out-running guys who weren't even born when he got drafted. It’s weird. It’s basically unprecedented. Most legends are long gone by this point, playing golf or doing TV spots. LeBron? He’s still lacing up the Nikes, chasing a ghost from Chicago and a legacy that he’s already mostly secured anyway.
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The 50,000-Point Mountain
If you want to talk about "where do I begin" with his stats, you have to start with the scoring. On March 4, 2025, LeBron did the unthinkable. He became the first player in NBA history to cross 50,000 total career points (combining regular season and playoffs). Think about that number.
It’s a massive, terrifying amount of basketball.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record stood for nearly four decades. People thought it was safe. It wasn't just a record; it was a fortress. LeBron didn't just break it; he moved into the house, renovated it, and built a second floor. As of early 2026, he’s sitting on over 42,000 regular-season points alone.
But it’s not just the buckets. He’s the only human being in the 10K-10K-10K club—over 10,000 points, rebounds, and assists. He is effectively a walking glitch in the matrix. You aren't supposed to be that big, that fast, and that smart for that long. It’s sorta unfair to the rest of the league, really.
The "Where Do I Begin" Commercial Legacy
There is a specific reason people search for the phrase LeBron: where do I begin. It traces back to the sheer weight of his narrative. Nike has leaned into this for years—the idea that his story is so sprawling it’s hard to find a starting line.
Remember the "Chamber of Fear" days? Or the "Chosen One" cover?
Every few years, the "where do I begin" theme resurfaces because his career has so many distinct acts:
- The Prodigy (2003-2010): The kid from Akron carrying a franchise on his back.
- The Villain (2010-2014): The Decision, the headbands, and the rings in Miami.
- The Hero’s Return (2014-2018): "Cleveland, this is for you!"
- The Elder Statesman (2018-Present): The Hollywood era, the 2020 Bubble ring, and now, the father-son era.
That last part—playing with Bronny—is what most people are talking about right now. In 2024, they became the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA. It was a moment that felt more like a movie script than actual reality. Some critics hated it. They called it "nepotism" or a "side quest." But if you’re LeBron, and you’ve done everything else, why wouldn't you want to share the court with your kid?
Why the Retirement Tour Matters
There’s a lot of chatter in early 2026 about how this ends. NBA executives have been leaking that LeBron cares deeply about the "narrative." He doesn't want to go out like Michael Jordan did with the Wizards—a quiet, slightly sad exit in a uniform that didn't quite fit.
He wants the Kobe treatment.
He wants the rocking chairs, the standing ovations in every arena, and the final 60-point outburst if his knees allow it. Rumors are swirling that he might even take a massive pay cut to return to Cleveland for a "Last Dance" season. Imagine him in a Cavs jersey one more time. The ticket prices would be astronomical.
Honestly, the Lakers are in a tough spot. They’ve got Luka Doncic now, and trying to balance a future MVP’s timeline with a 41-year-old’s retirement tour is a headache for Rob Pelinka. But you don't tell LeBron James "no." You just don't.
The Secret to the Longevity
People ask what he eats, how he sleeps, and how much he spends on his body. The rumored figure is $1.5 million a year. Cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers, personal chefs—it’s a science project at this point.
But it’s also mental.
I remember watching a game in late 2025 where he tracked back for a block. He was gassed. You could see it in his face. Then, two possessions later, he’s calling out the opponent's play before they even cross half-court. His brain is a library of every NBA play run since the Bush administration. That’s the "where do I begin" of his greatness—it’s not just the dunks; it’s the fact that he knows what you’re going to do before you do it.
Actionable Takeaways for Following the King in 2026:
- Watch the Minutes: He’s playing fewer minutes now, but the efficiency is higher. Don't look at his season totals; look at his "per 36" stats to see he’s still elite.
- The Cleveland Rumor Mill: Keep an eye on the trade deadline. If the Lakers aren't contending, the "Return to Akron" talk will get loud.
- Appreciate the Passing: We obsess over the 50,000 points, but his passing is what will likely influence the next generation more. Watch how he manipulates defenders with his eyes.
- Memorabilia Check: If you have early LeBron cards or jerseys, hold them. The retirement announcement will trigger a massive market spike.
We're in the endgame now. Whether it’s one more year or three, the window is closing. So, when you ask LeBron: where do I begin, maybe the answer is simply: "Begin by watching." We won't see this again.