LeBron James does not look like a player in his 21st season in the NBA when he is out there on the court, but that doesn’t mean the 39-year-old feels like a spring chicken after games. On his Mind the Game podcast, LeBron revealed the analogy he used when Savannah James, his wife, asked him how he felt after a game.
“I think I saw it the other day, I have like 70,000 minutes,” James said. “I was explaining to my wife the other day, she asked me how am I feeling when I came home after a game. I said, ‘Babe, just imagine buying a 2003 Escalade and it’s 2024 and you never changed the tires. So, rub my feet, please.’ I’ve never changed the tires, these are the same tires from 2003.”
(starts at 20:54 mark):
James brought this up when JJ Redick asked whether it was possible for him to guard someone like Kawhi Leonard on a nightly basis. LeBron later stated because of how long he has played, he has to pick his spots, which is fair.
I think that was a pretty good analogy he used as well. There is a lot of mileage on those feet at this point, as LeBron has played 67,930 minutes in his career when you consider the regular season and playoffs, the most in NBA history. The only other players to have hit the 60K mark are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (66,297) and Karl Malone (62,759).
Despite all the wear and tear, James is still playing at a high level. Sure, he can’t be a two-way force on a nightly basis the way he was at his peak, but LeBron is averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game in this 2023-24 season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
No player in NBA history in their 21st season has been remotely as good as he has been in this campaign. I don’t think people understand just how absurd it is that James can still dominate on the court the way he does.
LeBron James Kept It Real About Having To Manage His Ankle Injury
What makes LeBron’s play this season all the more impressive is that he has been playing through injury. He has been bothered by an ankle problem for months at this point and James spoke on managing his injuries after missing the Lakers’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
“I have to be very strategic and smart with how I manage the rest of the season with my ankle/foot to get to the finish line,” wrote James. “Whatever line that lies ahead.”
The goal is to be healthy for the postseason and try to win that fifth title. Wanting to get his hands on another championship trophy is a big reason why LeBron continues to play.
The Lakers managed to beat the Bucks without him and it was their fourth win in a row. They are now 40-32 on the season and still have faint hopes of finishing in the top six in the Western Conference to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
Even if they accomplish that, though, I don’t think the Lakers have what it takes to win it all this season. LeBron has shown over the years that you shouldn’t count out a team that he is on, but I believe the Lakers need another piece if they are to get over the line.
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