When LeBron James recently set a new record for the most career regular-season minutes played in the NBA, his teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers responded with their usual banter. They playfully teased him about his age, to which James replied with a laugh, “They told me I’m old as hell.”
Indeed, in the context of the NBA, they’re not entirely off-base. Once celebrated as “The Kid from Akron” when he first joined the league nearly 22 years ago, James is now a 40-year-old man sporting hints of gray in his beard. He celebrated his 40th birthday on Monday and is on the verge of making history by being the first player in NBA history to compete in games during his teens, 20s, 30s, and now 40s.
While this milestone has been achieved in baseball and hockey — with the legendary Gordie Howe playing in the NHL across five different decades — it has never been accomplished in the NFL or the NBA until now. LeBron is indeed crafting a unique legacy, creating a space all of his own in the annals of basketball history.
“In many ways, he defies the laws of nature,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “I’ve witnessed numerous talented players, and LeBron stands out as one of the hardest-working athletes I’ve encountered. He doesn’t seem to take a single day off and is constantly focused on caring for his body. Whenever you’re with him, he’s either hydrating, eating, or utilizing some sort of fitness device.”
Reaching 40 in the NBA typically marks the beginning of the end for professional players. James will become the 30th player to take the court with a “4” as the first digit of his age; however, only nine of these players recorded more than 51 games after their big 4-0. Overall, he will be the 32nd player to step on the court after celebrating his 40th birthday, following in the footsteps of Tim Duncan and Danny Schayes, who both did so during playoff runs in their final seasons.
At this age, producing impressive statistics becomes rare. Only a handful of players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, John Stockton, Michael Jordan, Robert Parish, and Karl Malone, have averaged more than 10 points per game in a season post-40. Jordan managed an average of 22.4 points in 30 games during his last season with Washington; Malone, the most recent example, averaged 13.2 points at 40 while with the Lakers in 2003-04.
In stark contrast, LeBron continues to deliver All-Star caliber performances, averaging 23.5 points, 9 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game. Achieving such numbers at 40 is a rarity; even many players in their 30s find it challenging. The only players to have posted similar stats in all three categories after turning 30 are James and James Harden.
“The combination of size, strength, and basketball IQ he possesses, coupled with his commitment to physical maintenance, means he doesn’t need to rely solely on his athleticism – which was once unrivaled,” said Erik Spoelstra, coach of the Miami Heat. “What he’s achieved is unprecedented, particularly at this level, and if he chooses to focus on his game IQ and sustain his fitness, he could potentially extend his career into the next decade.”
The exact timeline of James’ retirement remains uncertain. This season, although he aspired to participate in all 82 games, it didn’t materialize, and he faced criticism amid a recent slump for the Lakers. He also endured backlash for the team drafting his son Bronny in the second round last summer, as some viewed it as mere nepotism.
Throughout his career, James has attracted both admiration and scrutiny. As he approaches his 40s, critics will undoubtedly be eager to capitalize on any decline in his performance.
“It’s incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally, for seasoned stars like LeBron and Stephen Curry, who is nearing 37, to compete at such a high level night after night,” said Golden State coach Steve Kerr. “There’s a valid reason why athletes eventually retire – because they can’t maintain their peak forever.”
That rule applies to LeBron as well.
However, while competing against formidable 30-somethings like Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron has demonstrated how longevity in the sport is achievable, reportedly investing over $1.5 million each year in his fitness regimen and employing a personal trainer to cater to his athletic needs.
“What he has accomplished is remarkable — a feat that has never been matched, especially given the caliber at which he’s playing,” Antetokounmpo acknowledged. “LeBron’s journey serves as a blueprint for future generations of players, allowing us to aspire to play well into our late career stages. I aim to emulate that, as long as my body permits.”
The list of accolades James has amassed is extensive: he stands as the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, frequently enters discussions of the greatest of all time, has clinched four NBA championships, earned three Olympic gold medals, is on track for 21 All-Star selections, and has achieved generational wealth with a net worth surpassing $1 billion.
It raises an intriguing question: what do you give to a 40-year-old who seemingly has it all?
“I genuinely don’t know,” said Bronny James, exemplifying how unique LeBron is, as he becomes the first father in NBA history to have his son as a teammate.
Hints at an approaching retirement have not gone unnoticed from James. When asked about turning 40, he half-joked, “Don’t make me feel old right now.” He is signed for next season but has refrained from making any long-term commitments regarding his playing career, noting he does not wish to overstay his welcome or “disrespect the game.”
James holds records for the most points scored in his teens and 20s, trailing only Malone and Abdul-Jabbar in points during his 30s. As he steps into his 40s, he continues to compete strongly.
This decade will undoubtedly be the capstone of a basketball career that is truly unparalleled.
“Every time he steps onto the court, fans recognize they are witnessing greatness, and he continues to play at an outstanding level, even after turning 40 this month,” remarked Silver. “It’s nothing short of awe-inspiring.”
