LeBron James, 5 NBA stars to play 21 seasons in the league

Playing 21 NBA seasons isn't an easy feat, even for a player like LeBron James, who reached that threshold on Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets. The LA Lakers have a tough task this season, as they try to win significant games and contend for the title.

For a player like James, he makes it look easy. His longevity is unmatched, and he hasn't shown signs of slowing down. Well, maybe he has, but LeBron has done an outstanding job making it seem like he's still at the top of his game. Fans are still in awe of what he can do on the court.

LeBron James feels different as he enters his 21st season

As he enters his 21st season, LeBron James shared his honest feelings about playing professional basketball for so many years.

"I feel different. I’m not a 21-year-old, that’s for sure," James said with a laugh. "Feels a little bit different getting out of bed every day. But as far as my energy level, I feel pretty good."

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Luckily for him, James is still full of energy and vigor to play basketball at a high level. The Lakers are looking to make an impact this season, with James as their leader. Although LeBron hasn't mentioned anything about retiring, he could conclude his career on a high note.

In the history of the league, the Akron, Ohio-born athlete isn't the only player to play 21 seasons. Here are the other five players who have extended their careers and played for 21 years.

You might also be interested in reading this: LeBron James stats vs Nuggets: How has Lakers superstar fared against Denver through 21st season

#5, Robert Parish

Robert Parish started his career in the 1976-77 season after he was drafted by the Golden State Warriors. He became a star with the Boston Celtics, winning three titles with the team.

The Hall of Famer ended his illustrious career with the Chicago Bulls in 1997, after he won his fourth and final ring.

#4, Kevin Willis

Drafted in 1984 by the Atlanta Hawks, Kevin Willis started his career on a high note. After being a mainstay for 11 seasons in Atlanta, the 7-foot center bounced around the league but was still a valuable piece to the teams he's joined.

He retired after the 2006-07 season as a one-time All-Star for the Hawks and a one-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs.

#3, Kevin Garnett

Starting his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995, Kevin Garnett solidified himself as one of the best big men in NBA history. Straight out of high school, KG made the most of his 21-year, Hall of Fame career.

Garnett retired in 2016 as a 15-time All-Star, one-time NBA champion and one-time MVP, with tons of trash talk under his belt.

#2, Vince Carter

Defying gravity, Vince Carter made a great impact in the league, especially in the Canadian city of Toronto. Carter started his long career in 1998 with the Toronto Raptors, revolutionizing the game of basketball outside of the U.S.

He retired after a record 22 seasons as an eight-time All-Star, the 1998-99 Rookie of the Year and one of the best dunkers of all time. Carter went head-to-head against LeBron James on multiple occasions.

#1, Dirk Nowitzki

The Dallas Mavericks won the draft day trade in 1998 when they acquired Dirk Nowitzki. He spent all 21 years with the Mavs as their lone star.

Nowitzki, a Hall of Famer, earned his championship ring in 2011 when he went up against the Miami Heat team that had the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

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