Only twelve players in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) have played 20 or more seasons in their respective careers. In 1985–86, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke the previous NBA record of 16 seasons held by Dolph Schayes, John Havlicek, Paul Silas and Elvin Hayes; he finished his career in 1988–89 with a then-record 20 seasons played. Robert Parish broke the mark in 1996–97, when he retired after 21 seasons and Kevin Willis tied him in his final season in 2006–07. They were joined by Kevin Garnett in 2015–16 when he began his 21st season. The Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant was the first NBA player to spend 20 seasons with one team. In 2018–19, Dirk Nowitzki surpassed Bryant with 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. In 2019–20, Vince Carter became the first player to play 22 seasons in the NBA. In 2025–26, LeBron James surpassed this record by playing in his 23rd season.
Seasons played leaders
^Active NBA player*Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame†Not yet eligible for Hall of Fame consideration§1st time eligible for Hall of Fame in 2027 +NBA seasons played leadersRankPlayerPositionTeam(s)Seasons1 ^SF232 * SG / SF223 * C 21 PF / C * PF * PF Dallas Mavericks (–)†PG8 * C 20 * SG Los Angeles Lakers (–) SGPF / C†PG13 * C 19 C * PG Utah Jazz (–) * PF PF * C PF * PG* PF / C San Antonio Spurs (–) * SG / SF SG C *SFSG / SF ^PG^C
See also
NBA records List of NBA career games played leaders List of NBA career minutes played leaders List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise List of oldest and youngest NBA players
Notes
References General
Specific