LeBron James will wear a special-edition jersey patch marking his 24th NBA season, beginning with Philadelphia's game against the New York Knicks. Topps says selected patches will feature in upcoming exclusive trading cards.
The patch commemorates a longevity milestone rather than a newly won championship. James is the first player to reach 24 NBA seasons, extending his own record.
Records entering the new season
The league's all-time leading scorer enters the announced matchup with 1,622 games played, another NBA record. At 41, he begins a new stage in Philadelphia after his previous season with the Lakers.
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in that regular season. In ten playoff games, his averages rose to 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists as Los Angeles advanced past Houston in the first round.
Those are completed-season figures, separate from the forthcoming Sixers regular-season debut.
Philadelphia chapter begins
James joins Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia. The opening assignment is against the defending champion Knicks in New York.
He is pursuing a fifth NBA championship, a goal rather than an achievement already secured with his new team. The commemorative patch marks the season count as that pursuit begins.
Topps' announcement also distinguishes selected game patches from a universal release of every patch worn. The stated plan is for some to appear in future cards, adding a collectible element to the start of James's record-extending campaign.