LeBron James continues to defy the odds and silence any doubters questioning his ability to perform at an elite level in the NBA at 41. Despite the chatter, his consistent performance speaks for itself, which is likely why the Los Angeles Lakers have no plans to trade him anytime soon. Even though he scored just 13 points in the Lakers' 125-122 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, James' impact was undeniable, thanks to his 11 assists.
This performance brought him level with Lakers legend Magic Johnson, as James became the second player in franchise history to record 10 assists in more than four consecutive games. It’s a testament to his enduring skill and vision on the court, reinforcing his status as one of the game's greats. As noted by Ryan Ward, James' recent streak marks his fifth career run of 10 or more assists over consecutive games, a feat he last achieved in January 2020.
Breaking records is nothing new for the Akron native. As he aims to lead the Lakers to another championship, financial milestones are also on the horizon.
According to Forbes’ 2025 list, James ranked sixth with $133.8 million in earnings. Rumors of a potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers have sparked further intrigue, particularly concerning the financial implications of his farewell tour.
Anthony Lima reports that media executives suggest James could earn between $40-75 million from streaming rights for his farewell tour, even if he plays for the veteran minimum on a title contender. This could potentially make him the highest-earning athlete next season, surpassing even Cristiano Ronaldo, who topped the list with $275 million in 2025.
LeBron James continues to set new standards, proving that his greatest competition might just be himself.