This study investigates the influence of La2O3 addition on the structural, physical, and radiation shielding properties of basalt-based glasses. Incorporating varying concentrations of La2O3 (0, 10, 20, 30 wt%) into basalt glasses, we aimed to evaluate the potential of La2O3 in enhancing the material's effectiveness against gamma radiation. Utilizing Ba-133 point radioactive source and Ultra Ge detector, we measured the attenuation parameters in different photon energies (81, 160, 223, 276, 302, 356, and 383 keV). The glasses exhibited an amorphous structure, as confirmed by XRD analysis, with density values ranging from 2.72 to 3.305 g/cm³, increasing with La2O3 content. The microstructural analysis indicated that La3+ ions predominantly integrate into the glass matrix, enhancing the structural integrity without forming separate phase regions. Our findings demonstrate a significant improvement in radiation protection parameters, including mass attenuation coefficients and half-value layers, with higher La2O3 concentrations. These outcomes were also supported by the data obtained for Zeff and EBF values of G1-G4 glasses. The mechanical properties of the glasses were also investigated with the Makishima-Mackenzie model and it was observed that the elastic moduli were also affected by the addition of La2O3. The enhancements observed with La2O3 additions suggest promising avenues for developing advanced shielding materials, combining the inherent advantages of basalt glasses with the high atomic weight and electron density of lanthanum compounds.