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LeBron James didn’t seem too worried about falling victim to load management.
The 41-year-old is in his 23rd NBA season and has taken his fair share of time off over the past few years, and he hinted that more of the same is on the way.
Not looking his age after posting 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in New Orleans on Tuesday night, James was asked about potentially preparing to play the very next night in San Antonio.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks to a reporter after the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. (Stephen Lew/Imagn Images)
“I’m 41 years old. Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD,” James said. “I’m 41. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Knock it right now. What are we talking about?”
Perhaps load management helps James defeat Father Time as he averages 21.7 points, 6.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Granted, his rebounds per game would be a career low, and his points would be the second-lowest of his career (better than only his 2003-04 rookie season), but he’s also the only player to ever complete a 23rd NBA season.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Feb. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
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James is of late, though, averaging 26.0 points since his 41st birthday on Dec. 30, including 31 and 30 points in two of his last three games. For context, all other players in NBA history have averaged 5.3 points per game. game after turning 41, with the next closest average being Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 10.4 in 78 contests.
James missed the beginning of the season with sciatica and returned after 14 games. He got off to a slow start, averaging 14.0 points per game. game, ending a streak of 1,297 games with at least 10 points (he got the assist on a buzzer-beater). In 12 games since the streak ended, he has averaged 25.6 points per game.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the second half of Game 4 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
It’s even better to see “TBD” if James will continue his hot streak on Wednesday.
