In Year 23 of his legendary career, LeBron James continues to redefine what longevity looks like in the NBA. On a chilly night at the United Center, the 39-year-old reminded everyone that age is just a number-especially when you're built like LeBron.
He lit up the Chicago Bulls with a 20-point first half, his highest-scoring half of the season, and powered the Lakers to a comfortable halftime lead. It wasn’t just vintage LeBron-it was a masterclass in control, aggression, and timing.
That kind of performance doesn’t come without a cost, though. According to a recent report, James admitted the toll of the Lakers’ recent schedule-five games in seven nights, including two sets of back-to-backs-had him questioning whether he’d make it through the stretch.
“I didn’t know if I was going to make it through them,” he said. But he keeps pushing, summing up his mindset with a line that’s as poetic as it is telling: “I’m just trying to squeeze as much juice as I can out of the lemon.”
And squeeze he has. The Lakers sit at 27-17, fresh off a win over Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks, and James remains the engine that keeps their offense humming.
He’s averaging over 22 points and nearly seven assists per game, all while maintaining the kind of efficiency most players dream of in their prime-let alone in their third decade in the league. His decision-making, shot selection, and ability to control the tempo have been vital for a Lakers squad that’s had to navigate injuries to key players like Austin Reaves.
But LeBron isn’t just impacting the game on the floor. He’s also flexing his basketball IQ through his Mind the Game podcast, which continues to offer fans and hoop nerds a front-row seat to the way elite players see the game. In a recent episode, he brought on Tyrese Haliburton as a guest co-host, filling in for Steve Nash, who’s currently overseas on international duties.
Haliburton, sidelined with an injury himself, brought his own sharp perspective to the show. The Pacers have struggled in his absence, stumbling to an 11-35 record, but his presence on the podcast reminded everyone why he’s one of the most cerebral young guards in the league. His chemistry with LeBron in breaking down film and dissecting the finer points of the game made for compelling listening-and highlighted how the influence of stars like James and Haliburton extends far beyond the box score.
LeBron’s still doing it all-leading on the court, mentoring off of it, and now, breaking down the game like a seasoned analyst. In a season where the Lakers are battling for playoff positioning and the wear and tear of a long campaign is starting to show, it’s James who remains the constant.
Twenty-three seasons in, and he’s still the one setting the tone. Still the one setting the standard.
Still the King.