LeBron James has added another milestone to his illustrious career, becoming the first player in NBA history to compete as both a teenager and past the age of 40. The historic moment occurred during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 122-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
James, who debuted in the NBA as an 18-year-old in 2003, celebrated his 40th birthday on December 30. In the game, he scored 23 points, though Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen led his team to victory with 27 points, securing their eighth consecutive win.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, James holds the record for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Over his 22-season career, he has won four NBA championships and earned the title of Most Valuable Player four times. He shares the record for most NBA seasons played with Vince Carter.
Elsewhere in the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo spearheaded a comeback for the Milwaukee Bucks with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists in their 120-112 win against the Indiana Pacers, overturning a 19-point deficit late in the third quarter.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his stellar season, scoring 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the Thunder’s 12th straight win.
The Boston Celtics handed the Toronto Raptors their 11th consecutive defeat with a commanding 125-71 victory. Jayson Tatum contributed 23 points and eight rebounds to Boston’s dominant performance.
Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a 122-86 triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers, posting 27 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
In another match, Jaren Jackson Jr’s 38-point performance helped the Memphis Grizzlies secure a 117-112 win against the Phoenix Suns, who have now lost six of their last seven games. Despite Kevin Durant’s 29 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns, the team fell short yet again.
The Cleveland Cavaliers remain atop the Eastern Conference, while the Lakers sit in seventh place in the Western Conference standings.
