Today, the NBA celebrates as LeBron James turns 40, cementing his status as the oldest active player for the second consecutive season. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, LeBron has had one of, if not the most, remarkable careers in the history of the NBA. He is the league’s all-time leading scorer, all-time leader in minutes played, and holds countless records that are almost impossible to list. Now in his 22nd season, James remains one of the top 20 players in the league, competing against athletes who are 20 years younger than him and in their prime. He’s been in the league long enough to play alongside his son, Bronny James, and LeBron undoubtedly wants to win his fifth championship with his son before he retires. His longevity is largely attributed to his exceptional physical fitness, a key factor in his sustained performance. While he’s unlikely to play past the age of 45, like Nat Hickey – the oldest player in NBA history – his impact on the game remains unparalleled.
The GOAT Debate LeBron vs. Jordan
When it comes to the NBA GOAT debate, opinions will always vary. Some consider Michael Jordan to be the greatest, while others believe it’s LeBron James. Ultimately, there may never be a definitive answer, as both possess the credentials to be called the best – just enjoy and stop the hate. Beyond scoring, James’ career versatility stands out, with averages of approximately 27 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game in his 22 years. These numbers reflect his ability to dominate in multiple areas of the game, earning him four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and 20 All-Star appearances. Even Stephen Curry recently acknowledged LeBron’s basketball IQ, describing it as “superlative,” and with 22 years in the league and over 1,500 games played, there is truly no play LeBron hasn’t seen.
James’ relentless commitment to his physical condition is a cornerstone of his sustained excellence. He reportedly spends approximately $1.5 million a year on his body, ensuring that he can continue to perform at an elite level well into his 40s. His dedication to fitness, recovery, and advanced technology has allowed him to defy the aging trends seen in professional sports. Much like Tom Brady, who played in the NFL until he was 45, Cristiano Ronaldo who’s still playing at 39, and Novak Djokovic at 37, LeBron continues to show that modern advances in sports science are a game-changer for prolonging careers.
Lebron Legacy is Unmatched
Obviously we are in the last years of Lebron’s career, so whether you are an NBA fan or not, appreciate watching him because we will never see anything like him, just like we will never see anything like Jordan or Kobe Bryant, probably similar but never the same. Lebron managed to reach eight consecutive Finals with the Heat and the Cavaliers, not East Conference Finals, but Finals, something that only a few players achieved, the Celtics of the 60’s. To get more of a taste of Lebron’s career, the NBA’s “X” account shared the best 40 moments of his career plus a video of more than 13 minutes dedicated to the “King”.
As for this season, LeBron and the Lakers (18-13) are on the right track, currently sitting in fifth place in the West. In fact, they have already made changes to strengthen the team with the trade with the Nets, dealing D’Angelo Russell and bringing in Dorian Finney-Smith. Lebron’s first game at the age of 40 will be nothing more and nothing less than against the Cavaliers (27-4), the best team this season and who drafted him first overall in 2003, a great birthday present and way to end the year, facing the best team in the NBA today and the franchise that gave him the first opportunity to show himself and become who he is today, Cleveland is LeBron and LeBron is Cleveland. Happy Birthday King !
