LeBron James is currently the oldest player in the NBA. At 40, he is at an age when most players have long since slowed down. Instead, James continues to defy Father Time, performing at a level that mirrors his prime years. With his birthday right around the corner, James’ sustained excellence remains striking. Lakers teammate Jarred Vanderbilt recently shared his perspective on his game, even as the superstar navigates what are supposed to be the twilight years of his career.
Jarred Vanderbilt Believes that LeBron James is Still Among the Best Players
LeBron is turning 41 years old on Tuesday, Dec. 30. The “King” will celebrate his birthday against the Detroit Pistons as the Los Angeles Lakers host their adversaries.
While James is showing glimpses of slowing down in terms of activity on the hardwood, he’s undoubtedly still a force to be reckoned with. Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt
explained just how good he still is, despite already being in his 40s.
Vanderbilt is impressed with James’ IQ. He acknowledged how James is still capable of reading the game and is well-versed with his teammates. These are traits that most players his age typically start to lose grasp of in-game.
“His IQ. Being able to read the game, know his spots, know where he wants to get to, know where guys’ soft-spots, hot-spots are,” Vanderbilt said in a post-workout interview. “Also, how teams are guarding us. Him being able to grasp that in real-time and being able to apply it. … That’s what sets him apart.”
“His IQ. Being able to read the game, know his spots, know where he wants to get to, know where guys’ soft-spots, hot-spots are. Also how teams are guarding us. Him being able to grasp that in real-time and being able to apply it” – Jarred Vanderbilt on LeBron’s best skill at 41 pic.twitter.com/207BBbREAg
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 29, 2025
Looking at James ‘ performance so far this season, there’s a slight decline in his numbers. However, it’s by choice, given that he has declared himself willing to make way for the younger players on the Lakers team. The NBA veteran is averaging 20.5 points, 6.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game.
While it’s great to see that James is still keeping up with some of the league’s bright young stars, we can’t help but wonder what his next move will be after this season.
James is currently playing on an expiring contract and has yet to sign an extension with the Lakers. The four-time NBA champion has remained quiet about his plans for the future after this season.
While neither he nor the Lakers has confirmed his retirement after this year, fans can’t help but wonder if James would finally hang up the laces come next summer. However, there are also speculations that he could be preparing for a retirement tour in Cleveland next year.
Whatever the case may be, all we can do is wait and see what the “King” decides to do moving forward.
