As LeBron James approaches his 41st birthday, the conversation surrounding his career has shifted from legacy to longevity.
After more than two decades in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar continues to perform at a level that most players can't reach, let alone maintain into their forties.
After Sunday night's game, James talked about his age, reflecting on how surreal it is to still be close to his prime after entering the league in 2003.
In doing so, he mentioned a commercial he's filming in 2023 with actor Jason Momoa, who plays Father Time.
“I play [Father Time’s] Ass on the back nine. “
“I'm working with [Father Time] I would say I kicked his ass on the back nine” — LeBron James, testing his limits in his 23rd season, two days before his 41st birthday pic.twitter.com/FcuvqLJn1L
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 29, 2025
The words were delivered with a smile, but the numbers bear it out. James needs time to find a rhythm after injuries caused a slow start to the season. That rhythm has returned in a big way.
In the past eight games, James has averaged 25.4 points per game, once again pushing his season average back above 20 points per game.
This production is even more remarkable considering the mileage on him. James is entering his 23rd NBA season, in an era when most of his peers have either retired or have long since moved away from elite-level basketball.
Yet night after night, he remains a staple on one of the league's most compelling teams.
Of course, Father Time remains undefeated. James is realistic enough to know that the end is closer than the beginning. However, no decision was immediately made.
The Lakers star has not indicated when he plans to withdraw from the game, and there is no urgency to do so while his body and performance remain intact.
James will become a free agent after the 2025-26 season.
This leaves multiple paths. If he continues to feel physically capable, another title shot remains on the cards, whether in Los Angeles or elsewhere. If the grind finally catches up, the offseason will provide a natural moment to step away.
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