At 40 years of age, in his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James is still finding ways to surprise people. Just when it seems as though a slump is underway and mortality becomes a prevailing theme of discussion, James sends out a reminder that superhumans don't operate in the same way as the rest of us.
The latest reminder was provided on Thursday, Feb. 20, when James matched his age by dropping 40 points in a 110-102 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Yes, Portland is 23-33 and Los Angeles should've won that game. It was an essential outing for the Lakers, however, especially after they suffered a brutal loss in the first leg of the back-to-back, 100-97 to the lowly Charlotte Hornets.
At a time of the season when every loss threatens postseason seeding, Los Angeles couldn't afford to drop two consecutive games against lesser opponents.
It was quite a statement from the 40-year-old superstar. For one, he dropped 40 points on the second leg of a back-to-back, which would be an amazing feat even if he were 10 years younger. More important, however, was the resilience he showed in the face of adversity.
James made up for missing two game-tying shots in the final five seconds against the Hornets by dominating the Trail Blazers.
When all else fails, the Lakers still have LeBron James in key spots
Los Angeles has built one of the most impressive perimeter units that the NBA has to offer. James is flanked by reigning scoring champion Luka Doncic, rising star Austin Reaves, and a slew of shooters and defenders such as Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent.
The issue, however, is that the Lakers lack anything resembling an ideal answer to what they'll do about the void that exists at center.
Los Angeles traded Anthony Davis for Doncic, and acted quickly to address the absence at center by acquiring Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. Unfortunately, a controversial failed physical sent Williams back to Charlotte, and months of complacency left the Lakers scrambling for depth.
For as concerning as that may be, the great equalizer when all else fails is the incomparable big-game experience that James brings to the table.
Los Angeles may have a ceiling until it addresses the void at center, but it also has a key advantage over every other team. James has won more Finals MVP awards than any active player and has appeared in more playoff games than anyone in NBA history.
Even as Father Time limits his explosiveness, James still has the IQ, skill set, and experience to make an impact on every game he plays.
Now operating alongside one of the most productive players in NBA history in Doncic, James can pick his spots. As he proved against Portland in a crucial spot, he's more than capable of taking over and scoring at an elite level.
There are issues that must be resolved for the Lakers to become true contenders, but even at 40 years of age, James is a unique player that no other team can truly match.