<P> Only seven players in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) have played at least 20 seasons in their 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 . His Minnesota Timberwolves played their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant, who became the fifth player to reach the 20 - season plateau that night . The game was the first time in league history that two opposing players had at least 20 years of experience . Having played his entire career with the Lakers, Bryant was also the first NBA player to spend 20 seasons with one team . In 2017--18, Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter began their 20th seasons . Nowitzki, who has spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks, joined Bryant as the only players to play 20 seasons with one team . </P> <P> In the NBA, big men typically have longer playing careers than smaller men . Older centers and power forwards may have the luxury of pacing themselves while running the court, or they might station themselves in the post . Big men Parish, Willis, and Garnett all had small roles while playing in their 21st season . On the other hand, guards are tasked with handling the ball full - court and are more dependent on their speed and quickness, traits that deteriorate with age . Bryant was the first guard to play in 20 seasons, passing the previous mark of 19 seasons for guards, held by John Stockton and Jason Kidd . </P>

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