JJ Redick makes his feelings clear on LeBron James (Image Source: IMAGN)
LeBron James’ 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day on Monday will make him the only active NBA player in his 40s. LA Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed his thoughts on James approaching the twilight years of his career.
Redick, who is 40 and was drafted in 2006 after four seasons at Duke, reflected on the time he first matched up against James, who went No. 1 in 2003, in high school. Redick was the MVP of the 2002 McDonald’s All-Amerian Game as a high school senior, and James won the honor the next season. What baffles Redick the most is how LeBron has maintained almost the same level of play as he turns 40.
“I played against LeBron in high school so I knew that he was gonna be great in the NBA,” Redick said. “I don’t think you could ever predict – no matter how much the prognosticators label people that 16, 17, 18 years old whether or not they’re gonna be all-time greats, which he turned out to be.
“It’s kind of mind-boggling just to be in this position coaching him, playing against him for 15 years, taking three years of calling his games and then he’s still playing at this level. Feels like he’s just been doing this forever – and not a small stretch in human history – but forever. And that just speaks to his competitive stamina and love for the game.”
LeBron James is arguably the best player on the LA Lakers if not Anthony Davis. James has only missed three games this season, which is a clear indication of how resilient his body is despite being the oldest player in the NBA today.
Looking at LeBron James’ season amid 40th 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day celebration
NBA: LA Lakers at Golden State Warriors – Source: Imagn
LeBron James may no longer be the NBA’s best basketball player, but he is undoubtedly still one of the best. Despite turning 40 years old on Monday, James is still carrying the LA Lakers alongside Anthony Davis. While the King previously expressed that he genuinely wants to pass the torch to AD, it’s clear that the Lakers still need his elite services.
Looking at LeBron’s numbers, he’s still a beast on the hardwood. “King” James is averaging 23.5 points, 9.0 assists and 7.9 rebounds. While many criticize LBJ for his shooting, his percentage this year says otherwise as he is shooting 49.6%.
LeBron James has only missed three games. With the way he has performed in 28 games, he is showing few signs of slowing down anytime soon.
