LeBron James’ sustained dominance in the NBA is nothing short of extraordinary. When he won his last league MVP award in 2013 at the age of 28, he was at the peak of his powers, leading the Miami Heat to a 66-16 record while averaging 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game on an absurd 56.5% shooting from the field. At that time, he was the most efficient and unstoppable force in the league, cementing himself as the best player on the planet.
Fast forward 12 years, and LeBron—now 39 years old—is still putting up almost identical numbers in an NBA that has evolved significantly. Despite playing in his 21st season, he continues to defy the typical aging curve that has seen even the greatest players slow down in their late 30s. His 2024-25 season stats are eerily similar to his 2013 MVP campaign, and he’s doing it against younger, faster, and more athletic competition.
What makes this even more astonishing is the way LeBron has adapted his game to maintain this level of excellence. While he may not have the same explosiveness he did in his Miami days, he has compensated with elite basketball IQ, improved three-point shooting, and masterful playmaking. His ability to read defenses, control the pace of the game, and deliver in clutch moments remains unmatched. Most importantly, he has evolved into a player who picks his spots wisely, conserving energy when necessary while still being able to take over games when needed.
The fact that LeBron is producing at an MVP-caliber level at nearly 40 years old is something the NBA has never seen before. Other legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were still impactful late in their careers, but none were putting up prime-level numbers in Year 21. LeBron’s ability to sustain excellence for over two decades speaks to his unparalleled work ethic, commitment to conditioning, and basketball mind.
While he may not win another MVP due to voter fatigue and the rise of younger superstars, LeBron’s continued brilliance proves that he remains one of the best players in the league. The numbers speak for themselves—what he’s doing at this stage of his career isn’t just rare, it’s unprecedented.
