LeBron James, an iconic figure in basketball, continues to deliver greatness in the NBA. With an unparalleled NBA career spanning 22 years, James has left a significant mark on the sport and fans around the world. Turning 40 last month, fans of his marvel at his longevity and career that has made him one of the greatest NBA players of all time.
Lebron James Continues To Prove Why He’s One Of The Ideal Nba Players
LeBron James (“King James”) stands alone in NBA history as the first player to compete in his teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s. Turning 40 last December, he’s now the oldest active player in the NBA. This extraordinary feat is a testament to his dedication, work ethic, and mastery of the game.
The secret to his longevity lies in his commitment to his body and craft. His former coach, Ty Lue, remarks that James’s hard work and dedication to the game have allowed him to stay playing for so long. As The Guardian quotes Lue, “…he always eats clean, eats good. When you take care of your body, you can play for a long time, and I think he’s shown that.”
To stay ahead of the competition, his detailed fitness routine shows the lengths the NBA star will go to stay at peak fitness and avoid injury, from 6:30 am wake-ups and daily naps to cold plunges and cryotherapy.
Adding another historic layer to his legacy, James plays with his eldest son, Bronny James, making them the NBA’s first active father-son duo. This unique moment signifies more than just longevity; it reflects James’s role as a mentor and father. For fans, it’s a heartwarming chapter in his career, showcasing that his legacy extends far beyond individual achievements.
James Is One Of The Wealthiest Nba Players Right Now
James’s resume reads like a wish list for aspiring basketball players with awards and honors such as 4x NBA Champion, 4x NBA MVP, and x21 NBA All-Star. As of January 2025, he’s surpassed 41,000 points, breaking the NBA’s all-time points record.
James tops the list of the best NBA players of all time, alongside icons like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant. His career shows how deserving he is of being considered the GOAT, as he often competes with Michael Jordan for the number one spot.
James has earned a substantial salary in the NBA by playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers. As of July 2024, he is the NBA player with the highest cumulative career earnings at approximately 479.47 million U.S. dollars. He’s secured his place as one of the wealthiest athletes in history with his career earnings but also through his sponsored posts and endorsements on social media.
On his Instagram, James regularly posts basketball content and his son’s basketball achievements which receive an incredible number of likes and comments. A recent Instagram post of the Los Angeles Lakers v Washington Wizards game (111-88) on his account received 803k likes and over 7.3k comments. The post caption ended with the words: “This Is 40”.
With over 159 million followers on Instagram, LeBron James is one of the highest-earning US sports stars on the platform right now, earning an estimated $1.6 million per sponsored post. Fellow Team USA Olympic teammate Stephen Curry follows behind with an average of $569k per sponsored post on Instagram.
James’s ability to connect with fans through social media amplifies his influence, showcasing why sports star influencers like him are crucial for sports coverage and brand growth. Over the years, James has also made the Time 100 list of most influential people more than once.
Is Retirement On The Horizon For Lebron James?
As LeBron James enters his 40s, speculation about his retirement grows louder. The King has been a dominant force in the NBA for more than two decades, but signs of decline have begun to emerge. Last year, James faced challenges with his scoring and shooting efficiency, raising questions about whether the legendary King James era is nearing its conclusion.
In an article addressing his future, The Guardian captured the difficulty of this decision: “For someone for whom basketball has been, for all intents and purposes, their entire life, it’s an almost impossible question to know when to walk away.” Despite these signs, James has made it clear that he doesn’t want to “cheat the game” by overstaying past his prime. His self-awareness ensures that when he does step away, it will be on his terms.
Many believe the 2025-26 season could mark the end of James’s career rather than the current 2024-25 season. If he chooses to continue for another season, he could beat Vince Carter’s record for the most seasons played in NBA history: 23 seasons. However, no matter when he retires, his absence will leave a massive void in the league, as one of its brightest stars steps away.
LeBron James playing into his 40s speaks to his remarkable dedication and dominance in the sport. His resilience and ability to defy the odds have secured his status as one of the best NBA players of all time. Whenever he decides to hang up his jersey, James’s impact on basketball, and the world, will echo for generations. For now, fans can only savor every moment of the incredible journey of the man they call King James.
