As LeBron James approaches his forty first birthday, the dialog round his profession has shifted from legacy to longevity.
After greater than 20 years within the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers celebrity continues to supply at a stage most gamers by no means attain, not to mention maintain into their forties.
James addressed his age following Sunday evening’s sport, reflecting on how surreal it feels to nonetheless be performing close to his peak after getting into the league in 2003.
In doing so, he referenced a business he filmed in 2023 alongside actor Jason Momoa, who portrayed “Father Time.”
“I’m kicking [Father Time’s] ass on the again 9.”
“I’m in a battle with [Father Time] and I want to say I’m kicking his ass on the again 9” – LeBron James, two days earlier than his forty first birthday, on testing his limits in his twenty third season pic.twitter.com/FcuvqLJn1L
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 29, 2025
The quote was delivered with a smile, however the numbers again it up. After an harm slowed the beginning of his season, James wanted time to seek out rhythm. That rhythm has returned in a giant means.
Over his final eight video games, James is averaging 25.4 factors per sport, pushing his season common again above 20 factors as soon as once more.
The manufacturing stands out much more contemplating the mileage on his physique. James is in his twenty third NBA season, an period when most of his friends are both retired or lengthy faraway from elite-level basketball.
But evening after evening, he continues to anchor one of many league’s most high-profile franchises.
Father Time, after all, stays undefeated. James is real looking sufficient to know that the tip is nearer than the start. Nonetheless, there isn’t any rapid choice looming.
The Lakers star has not indicated when he plans to step away from the sport, and there may be little urgency to take action whereas his physique and efficiency stay intact.
James is ready to change into a free agent on the conclusion of the 2025–26 season.
That leaves a number of paths open. If he continues to really feel bodily succesful, one other championship chase stays on the desk, whether or not that is available in Los Angeles or elsewhere. If the grind lastly catches up, the offseason would offer a pure second to stroll away.
READ MORE: JJ Redick Explains Why Lakers Have Misplaced Their Approach Since LeBron’s Return
