The King is now in his 19th season in the NBA as he turns 37 today (Thursday, Dec. 30). Many are still amazed at how he manages to be at the prime of his game just by looking at the numbers.
Today, James has been averaging 27.6 points per game for the Los Angeles Lakers. On top of that would be him recently breaking the 36,000 career point. This is all happening at a high-efficiency rate, hitting 58.6 percent in the field and averaging more steals since his Miami Heat days and more blocks than his stint with the Cavs.
You may even say the weight of the Lakers is on his shoulders as he battles through a riddled depleted roster, COVID-19 protocols, and hecklers. But then again, All those fuel the greatness of James on the court.
James recently had an impressive outing on a winning effort against the Memphis Grizzlies but fell short 99-104. He was stacking the stat sheet with a near triple-double, 37 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, two steals and two blocks. The King made his presence felt beyond the arc as he shot 57.1% and 52% in the field.
"I know I'm on the other side of the hill, compared to the hill I was on before. I know that," James told reporters. "But, I mean, I've thought about it — where I'm at with it. I'm still playing at such a high level, I haven't given it too much thought. But I'm in Year 19 and I'm not gonna do another 19. So I'm definitely not halfway in my career. I'm on the other side of the hill. So, we'll see where the game takes me. We'll see where my body takes me and my mind. As long as my mind stays fresh and my body stays with that, I can play the game. But, in the end, the game will tell you. Your body will tell you. Your mind will tell you. I've put in enough hours and punched enough clocks where, when that time comes, I'll be OK with it."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCR5h-1LbsQ
As the season progresses, James remains timeless as he battles it out. Would it be a question about the King's part or father time himself? Here's a look back at James's accomplishments in his 19th career :
- 4-time regular season MVP
- 4-time NBA Finals MVP
- 4-time NBA champion
- 17 All-Star
- 13-time All-NBA First Team
- 5-time All-NBA Defensive First Team
- 2008 regular-season scoring leader