LeBron James Age: Can He Still Dominate at 40?
LeBron James is a name that has become synonymous with greatness in the NBA. For nearly two decades, LeBron has not only maintained his position as one of the best players in the league but has also defied the normal aging curve, continuing to play at an elite level. As the 2024-2025 NBA season unfolds, LeBron is approaching the big 4-0, and the question on the minds of basketball fans and analysts alike is: Can LeBron James, at 40 years old, still dominate the NBA?
LeBron’s Legendary Longevity
LeBron James’ longevity in the NBA has been one of the most remarkable aspects of his career. Since being drafted as the number one overall pick in 2003, he has consistently been one of the top players in the league, earning 19 All-Star selections and 4 MVP awards. At 39 years old, LeBron still competes at an MVP-caliber level, maintaining a combination of strength, athleticism, and basketball IQ that few players, regardless of age, can match.
While many players begin to show signs of slowing down in their late 30s, LeBron has defied these expectations. His ability to stay healthy and remain a dominant force in the league is a testament to his meticulous training regimen, focus on body maintenance, and an understanding of how to adjust his game as he ages.
Physical Conditioning and Adaptations
A major reason why LeBron has been able to maintain his elite level of play well into his late 30s is his commitment to physical conditioning. LeBron has been known for his dedication to fitness and recovery, reportedly spending millions of dollars each year on personal trainers, nutritionists, and specialized recovery techniques. His attention to maintaining his body has allowed him to avoid major injuries and play a high number of games each season.
As LeBron approaches 40, his game has evolved to account for the natural decline in physical attributes that comes with age. While his once-explosive speed and vertical leap may not be as prominent as they were earlier in his career, LeBron has become more of a polished all-around player. His basketball IQ, vision, and ability to read the game have made him even more dangerous in certain situations, particularly when it comes to playmaking and leadership.
LeBron has also adjusted his playing style to preserve his body. He has become less reliant on driving to the basket with the same ferocity as in his youth, instead opting for more mid-range shots, three-point shooting, and facilitating from the perimeter. His transition to a more perimeter-oriented game allows him to conserve energy and still make an impact on both ends of the floor.
LeBron’s Current Performance
Despite being 39 years old, LeBron James continues to post outstanding numbers. Over the course of the 2023-2024 season, LeBron averaged 25.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, showing that he is still a versatile and potent force in the NBA. He remains one of the best playmakers in the league, with the ability to run an offense, create opportunities for teammates, and still take over games when necessary.
LeBron’s scoring has become more efficient as he ages. His three-point shooting, while not elite, is still respectable, and his ability to hit mid-range shots and finish in the post has become even more important in his late 30s. He’s still capable of putting up 30+ point games, but he has become a more strategic player, picking his spots and letting the game come to him rather than forcing plays.
