LeBron James, the legendary Lakers star, is about to celebrate a milestone. Today, he turns 40, joining an elite club of NBA players. Only 31 players in history have stepped onto the court at this age. James is about to become number 32. As if turning 40 isn’t special enough, the Lakers will face his old team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the very next day. Talk about a full-circle moment!
Christmas may be over, but the season of giving isn’t done for LeBron. As he hits the big 4-0, here are three gifts that would make his birthday unforgettable:
1. A healthy Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis has been a powerhouse for the Lakers this season. He’s played in 30 of their 31 games, posting jaw-dropping stats: 26.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game. But Davis’ name is a regular on the injury report. While it seems precautionary most of the time, his history of injuries keeps fans and teammates on edge.
Last Wednesday, Davis gave everyone a scare when he left the game against the Golden State Warriors with a sprained ankle. Thankfully, it wasn’t serious. By Saturday, he was back in action, leading the Lakers to a 132-122 win over the Sacramento Kings with an incredible performance: 36 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Even though Davis is back, the Lakers need him healthy long-term. A clean bill of health for Davis would ease LeBron’s mind and strengthen the team’s chances for a successful season. Let’s face it, an injury-free Davis could be the Lakers’ secret weapon.
2. Bronny James LeBron Jr. stepping up
Every basketball fan dreams of seeing LeBron James share the court with his son, Bronny. But right now, Bronny isn’t NBA-ready. When he gets game time, it feels like watching a high school player trying to keep up. Sure, the idea of the James duo playing together is magical, but it’s still a few years away from reality.
LeBron would love nothing more than to see Bronny thrive in the NBA. A moment where his son holds his own alongside him on the court would be priceless. Realistically, though, this gift might take two or three more years to arrive. For now, it stays on the wishlist, but when it happens, it’ll be a moment for the ages.
3. Dorian Finney-Smith fitting right in
The Lakers made headlines on Sunday with a bold trade. They brought in Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets. In return, they sent D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round picks to Brooklyn. The star of this trade? Finney-Smith.
Known for his defensive skills and impressive 3-point shooting (43.5%), Finney-Smith is exactly what the Lakers need. He averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20 games with Brooklyn this season, starting every one of them. While he won’t transform the Lakers’ defense overnight, he’s a solid upgrade.
This trade shows the Lakers’ commitment to building a stronger team around LeBron. They’re giving him the tools he needs to chase another championship. If Finney-Smith can quickly adapt and bring his A-game, he’ll be the perfect birthday gift for the King.
LeBron’s 40th birthday isn’t just a personal milestone. It’s a celebration of a career that continues to inspire fans worldwide. As he steps into his 40s, these three gifts could make all the difference for the Lakers and their legendary leader.
