LeBron James calls special NBA jersey patch honoring 23rd NBA season ‘super surreal’ as he discussed his longevity.
LeBron James was visibly moved after the NBA unveiled a unique tribute to his 23rd NBA season with an addition to his Los Angeles Lakers jersey.
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The team added a new No. 23 patch to his jersey — a rare gesture celebrating not just his longevity, but also his impact over two decades in the league.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
LeBron reflects on his journey and the meaning behind the moment
Speaking after the LA Lakers’ game against the Sacramento Kings, LeBron James admitted that the moment he first saw the patch on his jersey took him by surprise.
He described the patch as more than just a design choice — a symbol of his career’s endurance. The added privilege of debuting the patch in Sacramento, where James played his first NBA game, was even more special.
“Just super cool, super surreal, super humbled, blessed,” he said. “Walked in here and seen it for the first time, it was like an emotional moment.”
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“I just started thinking about the whole journey from the beginning to where we are now,” James said. “It’s been a heck of a journey.”
“Having an opportunity to be here where it kind of all started,” he added. “The NBA getting involved, super grateful and surreal.”
NBA celebrates a career defined by longevity
The patch, featuring LeBron James’ iconic number 23, acknowledges his unprecedented 23rd season as an active player.
The Lakers also announced that pieces of the game-worn jersey would be turned into collectible trading cards, adding another layer of significance to the occasion.
Even at 40, James is still performing at a high level. The milestone has sparked tributes from across the league, with players and fans acknowledging his consistency and discipline.
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For a player who has redefined what it means to have a long career, the 23rd-season patch is more than just a symbol of endurance. It represents a legacy that continues to grow, one season at a time.
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