LeBron James opens up on longevity as NBA veteran turns 41: 'I’m in a battle with Father Time'
LeBron James, at 41, continues to defy age with remarkable longevity and production in his 23rd NBA season. Despite a slow start and recent absences, he's averaging impressive stats and showcasing athletic dunks, proving his enduring impact. As a ...
By Mukesh Thapliyal, Global Desk |
AP
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will turn 41 on Tuesday, and his longevity may be the most remarkable achievement of his legendary career. After entering the NBA in 2003, James continues to perform at a high level more than two decades later. While his résumé is filled with records and accolades, his ability to remain productive and competitive in his 23rd season stands out as one of the most impressive feats in league history.
Lakers star LeBron says he remains confident he can continue to defy the aging curve, even after a relatively slow start to the 2025–26 NBA season. LeBron missed the first 14 games of the season while recovering from right-side sciatica and has since sat out two more contests in late November and early December.
"I'm in a battle with him. And I would like to say that I'm kicking his ass on the back nine," LeBron told ESPN's Dave McMenamin after Sunday's 125-101 win over the Sacramento Kings
McMenamin noted that LeBron has averaged 23.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 56 games since turning 40. While the 21-time All-Star is no longer at his peak, no NBA player has sustained that level of production into their 40s.
In Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, LeBron defied his age with several ferocious dunks, including a jaw-dropping double-clutch reverse jam, as he guided the Lakers to a commanding victory.
LeBron wasn’t done there, either, throwing down another stunning dunk after catching a lob from Marcus Smart.
While LeBron can take pride in performing at a high level at an age when most peers are long retired or coaching, he is clearly nearing the end of his playing career. Even so, LeBron has not made any decisions about his future.
As long as he continues producing on the court, there is no urgency to decide. Set to become a free agent after the 2025-26 season, LeBron could pursue another title or choose to retire if he feels it is time to hang up his sneakers.
Lakers star LeBron says he remains confident he can continue to defy the aging curve, even after a relatively slow start to the 2025–26 NBA season. LeBron missed the first 14 games of the season while recovering from right-side sciatica and has since sat out two more contests in late November and early December.
"I'm in a battle with him. And I would like to say that I'm kicking his ass on the back nine," LeBron told ESPN's Dave McMenamin after Sunday's 125-101 win over the Sacramento Kings
McMenamin noted that LeBron has averaged 23.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 56 games since turning 40. While the 21-time All-Star is no longer at his peak, no NBA player has sustained that level of production into their 40s.
In Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, LeBron defied his age with several ferocious dunks, including a jaw-dropping double-clutch reverse jam, as he guided the Lakers to a commanding victory.
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LeBron wasn’t done there, either, throwing down another stunning dunk after catching a lob from Marcus Smart.
While LeBron can take pride in performing at a high level at an age when most peers are long retired or coaching, he is clearly nearing the end of his playing career. Even so, LeBron has not made any decisions about his future.
As long as he continues producing on the court, there is no urgency to decide. Set to become a free agent after the 2025-26 season, LeBron could pursue another title or choose to retire if he feels it is time to hang up his sneakers.
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