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LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is playing in his record-breaking 23rd NBA season.
Despite starting the season on the sidelines due to injuries, LeBron James has looked phenomenal in his last few games. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar opened up about the struggle of facing Father Time regularly during his 23rd year in the NBA ahead of his 41st birthday on December 30.
Speaking to reporters after the Lakers’ 125-101 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, James was asked about what it’s like to continue playing at a high level. The four-time NBA champion was proud that he remains ahead of Father Time’s eventual victory.
“I remember, what was that, LeBron 20 or 21, when I did the Father 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 said.
Some fans were worried that James was playing too much golf and enjoying it in the offseason. It didn’t help that he missed the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica. He also showed signs of slowing down in his first few games, but he has since played like an All-Star.
James is averaging 25.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks in his last eight games, shooting at 56.4% from the field.
Lakers Facing Pistons on LeBron’s Birthday
The Los Angeles Lakers have one more game left in 2025 on December 30 against the Detroit Pistons. It falls on LeBron James’ 41st birthday, so it will be interesting to see if he’ll be playing or if he’ll be given the night off.
Considering how precarious the Lakers’ situation is at the moment, with five wins in 10 games, it would be shocking if James misses the game outside of an injury. He has played 10 times on December 30 in his career, and he’s averaging 32.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks.
The Lakers need to be on their A-game against the Pistons, who have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 24-8. The Pistons are coming off back-to-back losses to the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers, so they are looking to end the year with a win.
James Nearly Perfect in Win Over Kings
There was a sense of urgency with the Lakers before their game against the Kings. Coach JJ Redick called out his team after their disappointing loss to the Houston Rockets on Christmas. They entered the contest in need of a win to snap a three-game losing skid.
Luka Doncic and LeBron James led the way for the Lakers, combining for 58 points to help the purple and gold franchise improve to 20-10 for the season. Doncic finished with 34 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
James, on the other hand, was nearly perfect with 24 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. He went 11-for-13 from the field, shooting at an 84.6% clip.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and Matt Williams, it was James’ best shooting night as a member of the Lakers. It was also his third-best shooting performance ever.
His career high in field goal percentage for a game was 92.9% on February 4, 2013, when he went 13-for-14 for the Miami Heat against the Charlotte Bobcats.
Juan Paolo David Juan Paolo David is a sports journalist covering basketball for Heavy. He has a decade of experience writing about the NBA and WWE. He’s currently based in the Philippines. More about Juan Paolo David
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