The Los Angeles Lakers are wearing LeBron James down.
The 38-year-old has been on the floor for a whopping 36.3 minutes a night, which is unheard of for a guy playing his twentieth season in the National Basketball Association.
But as much as Darvin Ham would love to give his superstar a breather every now and then, the Lakers have been a hot mess every time James has sat on the bench, and it’s not like his numbers have taken a dip despite the heavy usage.
As a matter of fact, the four-time NBA champion has posted nearly-identical numbers from his second MVP season in 2010.
James averaged 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game on 50.3% from the floor as a 26-year-old.
Now, twelve years later, he’s averaging 29.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game on 51.1% shooting, beating the odds and Father Time alike.
LeBron James:
2010 MVP Season This Season
(26 Years Old) (38 Years Old)
29.7 PPG 29.7 PPG
7.3 RPG 8.4 RPG
8.6 APG 7.0 APG
50.3 FG% 51.1 FG%He hasn't aged.👑 pic.twitter.com/oK74oaBWol
— NBA Muse (@NBAMuse24) January 18, 2023
LeBron’s durability and longevity are simply unmatched.
Other players like Udonis Haslem, Dirk Nowitzki, and Vince Carter also managed to have long and successful careers, but none of them was able to make the impact LeBron is making at 38 years old.
Regardless of the season outcome, LeBron will continue to make history night in and night out, adding more arguments to his already–impressive GOAT résumé.
By the end of the season, the former first-overall pick will be the league’s all-time leader in total points and will crack the top four in total assists as well.
That is, of course, unless this heavy usage leads to an avoidable injury.
Hopefully, that won’t be the case.
NEXT: LeBron James Didn't Get Much Help From His Starters