LeBron has priceless reaction to 'f---ery won't go on much longer' meme

For as beloved as he is, an athlete as prolific, well-known, and accomplished as LeBron James is destined to have irrational critics. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has done it all, etching his name into the history books and receiving all-time acclaim before his NBA career could even begin.

Unfortunately, that's resulted in the most obvious of hot takes becoming commonplace—and those anxious for their favorite players to surpass him to have their chance.

One of the most viral examples of the polarizing James discussions is a tweet that expressed the feelings of many of his detractors. Posted 10 years ago, it famously celebrated James turning 30, proclaiming that it wasn't going to be much longer until he either declined or retired—or, more specifically, until the "f---ery" ends.

In a recent appearance on New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, James had a hilarious response to his detractor's tweet—and the tweet he sent out 10 years later.

For those who can't see the video, James had the following to say:

"I saw that tweet throughout all of my 30s, all of my 30s, and I laughed at it so hard every single time. And you want to know what's funny? When I turned 40, the same f---ing guy said, 'LeBron turned 40, this f---ery won't go on much longer."

James shared a laugh with the Kelce brothers and added the ultimate comeback for the person who tweeted about him: "He's gonna be real upset when I turn 50."

LeBron James can't help but laugh at tweet asking when f---ery will end

While he's currently tied with Vince Carter at 22 NBA seasons played, James has set a new standard for longevity. He's playing at an unprecedented level that could result in All-NBA honors, producing a stat line and level of efficiency which most players 15 years younger than him couldn't manage.

At 40 years of age, he's averaging 23.7 points, 8.8 assists, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 three-point field goals made on .509/.391/.762 shooting.

For perspective: Nikola Jokic is the only other player in the NBA averaging at least 20.0 points, 8.0 assists, and 7.0 rebounds per game. That alone offers reason to almost believe James when he seemingly jokingly says he can play until 50.

Even at 40 years of age, James is producing at a level that puts him in a class with only a three-time MVP who may win a fourth award in 2024-25.

Playing until he's 50 was clearly said in jest, but if anyone can do it, it's James. By comparison: Vince Carter averaged just 14.6 minutes played per game during his 22nd NBA season, while James is still giving the Lakers a stellar 34.8.

It's also become one of the worst bets in sports to believe that James will ever truly fall off, even if the rules of Father Time suggest he one day will.

Everything else aside, it's nice to see James responding to his critics' words for him with laughter. He's played long enough that he's heard every criticism imaginable, and the fact that he can see the humor in the absurd comments made about him is as healthy a response as any.

Then again, when you're a four-time MVP, four-time NBA champion, and record 20-time All-NBA honoree, what more really needs to be said in your defense?