LeBron James turned 40 years old on Monday, December 30. James is still playing well at 40 years old, as he is hoping to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the playoffs. The Lakers are not playing on Monday, though, but the NBA world still came together to wish James a happy birthday.
22 YEARS IN THE NBA.
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2024
40 YEARS OF LIFE.
HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY TO THE KING, LEBRON JAMES! 👑 pic.twitter.com/dHTlZwaqDJ
James has played in the NBA for 22 years. He has been a star for over two decades. The NBA itself sent James a birthday message on Monday as a result.
James' impact on the league has been crucial without question. The NBA needed another true superstar and face of the league after Michael Jordan retired, and James accepted the role.
LeBron James, the oldest active player in the NBA, turns 40 years old today 🎂
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 30, 2024
👑 57,579 MINS – 1st in NBA history
👑 41,131 PTS - 1st in NBA history
👑 11,219 AST – 4th in NBA history
👑 11,405 REB – 28th in NBA history
👑 2,466 3PM – 7th in NBA history
👑 4x NBA MVP
👑 4x NBA… pic.twitter.com/obQcvRlUTR
LeBron James turns 40 years old today 👑
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 30, 2024
▪️ROY
▪️6x All-Defensive
▪️20x All-Star
▪️20x All-NBA
▪️3x All-Star MVP
▪️NBA Cup Champion
▪️NBA Cup MVP
▪️4x NBA Champion
▪️4x Finals MVP
▪️NBA 75th Anniversary Team
▪️All-Time Leading Points Scorer
The King has accomplished nearly… pic.twitter.com/eG5RD8h73m
Another common trend on Monday was outlets shouting out all of LeBron's accomplishments in the NBA. He is arguably the greatest player of all-time, although Michael Jordan fans may have something to say in the argument. Regardless, James is clearly one of the best players ever.
In addition to winning multiple championships, LeBron James is the all-time NBA scoring leader. He has excelled in other facets of the game as well, such as defense and setting up his teammates.
At 40 years old, LeBron is still playing a respectable brand of basketball.
What's next for LeBron James in the NBA?
It remains to be seen when LeBron will retire. He has hinted at potentially leaving the game at some point soon, but James has not yet announced specifically when he plans to retire. LeBron is still realistically playing well enough to continue playing for years to come, but he could end up walking away within the next year or two.
James would obviously love to win another championship. The Lakers are not guaranteed to be championship contenders this season, but anything can happen once the postseason begins. Either way, regardless of whether or not James wins another championship, he has already enjoyed a legendary career.
Most people in the NBA world consider James to be the second best player of all-time at the very least. LeBron is also regarded as the greatest of all-time by many fans and NBA analysts. He has helped the NBA in numerous ways over the years, and James still has plenty left to give at 40 years old.
LeBron James will get to celebrate his birthday on Monday, but the Lakers will return to action on Tuesday against his former team in the Cleveland Cavaliers.