What Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is doing in Year 23 shouldn’t be taken lightly as he’s single-handedly redefining how long a star player can be effective at the NBA level.
There have been stars in the past that played well into the twilight of their careers, but James’ production at 41 years old isn’t normal. James has visibly lost a step and some bounce during the 2025-26 season, but can still upon his otherworldly athleticism and basketball IQ to make plays when the Lakers need him to.
The latest reminder that James is one-of-a-kind came in the Lakers’ win against the Atlanta Hawks as he needed only 33 minutes to record 31 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds, one steal and one block. It was the kind of performance that could lead someone to believe that James could play for as long as he wants to, and it came in his first time playing in the second night of a back-to-back this season.
As a former player, head coach JJ Redick could only marvel at how much James still cares about competing this late into his career, discussing how well he takes care of his body.
“There’s no decision that gets made for him. Again, I’ve said it a few times to start the season, we’re in uncharted territory. He got hit in the quad in the fourth quarter, he’s already in an ice bath. He’s going to do everything he possibly can to play in his 23rd year. It’s remarkable. His competitive stamina is off the charts, Redick said. “We didn’t expect him to be able to play. That’s just the nature of a 41-year-old body who plays heavy minutes. And he just said, ‘I’m going to try. I’m going to try to do everything I can, do my normal routine if I’m able to go.’
“And the same thing with Luka [Doncic]. So both those guys just completely led the group tonight. And it was evident 22 assists between them. Obviously, they made some shots too, but I just thought they did a great job of leading the group. And I don’t take for granted the LeBron stuff.”
Redick also called it unfortunate how some of the narrative depicts James despite what he’s doing in Year 23.
“It’s unfortunate, actually, not to go on a little tangent here, but it’s actually unfortunate how much this guy puts into it and how much he cares. And the way certain people talk about him, it’s crazy. Come be around him every day and see how much this guy cares. It’s off the charts,” Redick.
The Lakers head coach further elaborated on why he feels it’s unfortunate for LeBron to get the criticism he does at his age.
“Because that’s the nature of envy. It’s the nature of envy,” Redick said. “You’re not going to get a click. You’re not going to get a response by saying something nice about somebody, by acknowledging someone’s greatness, by
acknowledging how much they care, how much they work, and how much they’ve accomplished, continue to accomplish, continue to go after something.
“I mean, you’ve got to say something bad about him. You’ve got to go on TV and knock him. You’ve got to go read into, ‘Oh, he did this pregame, and he did this.’ It’s all just nuts. Be around him every day. He’s unbelievable.”
Redick’s strong comments suggest that he’s heard the chatter about James this season, but isn’t buying any of it.
LeBron has always been a divisive and controversial superstar among fans who either love or hate him. For Lakers fans, James has kept the storied franchise relevant though there are certainly those around the league who are eagerly waiting for him to retire.
The 41-year-old has openly discussed that his playing days are coming to an end, so it’s best to enjoy him while he remains in the league.
Giannis Antetokounmpo looks up to LeBron James
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rise to become one of James’ peers is one of the best stories in recent history. While Antetokounmpo has made a name for himself, he acknowledged that he still looks up to James and what he’s done on and off the floor.
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