LeBron James Reflects on Longevity Ahead of His 41st Birthday: ‘I’m Kicking It’ [Father Time’s] ass’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James turns 41 on Tuesday. Amid all his records and accomplishments during his legendary 23-year NBA career, the fact that he continues to produce at a high level despite arriving in the league in 2003 might be his most impressive feat.

James seems to believe that this is also the case. Asked about his age on Sunday night, James referenced a commercial he filmed in 2023, in which he beats “Father Time,” played by Jason Momoa, in various activities.

Advertisement

James explained that he continues to perform at a high level despite filming this commercial a few years ago, saying: “I’m kicking [Father Time’s] ass on the last nine.

The Lakers star is not wrong. After an injury disrupted the start of his season, James needed a few games to regain his form. James got off to a bit of a lukewarm start, but has recently turned things around, averaging 25.4 points over his last eight games. This recent surge allows James to once again average over 20 points.

Father Time, of course, remains undefeated. And while James should be proud to continue playing at a high level at an age when most of his peers are long out of the league or deep into a coaching career, he is clearly nearing the end of his playing days. Despite this, James has not made any announcements about his future at this time.

Advertisement

As long as the Lakers star continues to post numbers, he doesn’t have to make that call just yet. James is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025-26 NBA season. If he still feels good about his abilities, James could choose to pursue another ring – either with the Lakers or another franchise.

But if James feels he doesn’t have much left to give, the offseason offers him a good time to finally hang up his sneakers.