Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James turns 41 on Tuesday, adding another exclamation point to his historic 23-year NBA career.
Ahead of the milestone, Lakers coach JJ Redick weighed in on the four-time MVP’s unprecedented longevity, comically contrasting it with his own physical condition at the same age.
JJ Redick Puts LeBron James’ Age 41 Production Into Perspective
After a rough stretch in which they lost three straight games by 15-plus points, the Lakers got back on track with Sunday’s 125-101 home victory over the Sacramento Kings, James’ final outing before his 41st birthday.
As such, spirits were much higher at Monday’s practice, allowing Redick to have some fun while discussing the 21-time All-Star’s “remarkable” impact for his age.
“I’ve been calling him 41 now since I turned 41 in June, so I still — tomorrow’s the day, but he’s 41 to me already,” Redick said. “It is remarkable. I have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, and got to get an injection on my knee. My body is old and broken. It’s like that [saying], ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it,’ and once I stopped using it, I lost it all.”
James capped off his 40th year of life in emphatic fashion, recording the third-most efficient shooting night of his illustrious career, and his most efficient performance since joining LA in 2018. He finished with 24 points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals, shooting a blistering 11-for-13 (84.6%).
“When I did the father of time commercial thing, I’m in a battle with him, and I would like to say that I’m kicking his a** on the back nine,” James quipped postgame.
Through 14 appearances this season, James is averaging 20.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.4 3-pointers per game on efficient 50.7% shooting.
Conversely, Redick, one of the NBA’s premier sharpshooters at his peak, was a shell of himself by his 15th and final campaign (2020-21), averaging 7.4 ppg on 39.7% shooting over 44 outings.
The Lakers (20-10, fifth in the Western Conference) still have plenty to sort out, most notably their 23rd-ranked defensive rating (117.4). That said, most would probably agree that James’ ability to remain a dynamic wing scorer despite being the league’s oldest player is something to celebrate.
LA will look to secure the 23-year veteran a birthday win during Tuesday’s nationally televised home clash against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons (24-8), who enter the contest on a two-game losing streak.
