24+8+8 Per Game! How Should We Evaluate 40-Year-Old LeBron James?

In a season full of surprises, one of the most remarkable stories in the NBA has been the ongoing greatness of LeBron James, despite his advancing age. At 40 years old, James continues to defy expectations and deliver elite-level performances, even though many anticipated a decline as he entered the later stages of his career. With an average of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, James is still one of the most versatile and dominant players in the league, even at the ripe age of 40. These numbers are not only impressive but also a testament to his enduring excellence, particularly in an era where athletes typically see their performances taper off in their 30s. James has been making history all season, and the question remains—how should we truly evaluate his current level of play?

The Numbers Tell the Story

LeBron James has always been a statistical marvel, but this season’s numbers are especially impressive when considering his age. In 70 games played this season, James has managed to put up 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. These figures not only showcase his ability to contribute across the board but also highlight his continued role as the focal point of the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense. His shooting efficiency has been nothing short of spectacular—51.3% from the field, 37.6% from three-point range, and 78.2% from the free-throw line, with a true shooting percentage of 60.4%.

To put these numbers into perspective, consider that James has been doing this in his 21st season. In any other era, this would be a career-defining level of play, but for James, it's just another year of breaking barriers and rewriting the history books. His contributions on the floor remain invaluable, and while his scoring numbers have seen a slight dip from previous seasons, his overall impact has not waned in the slightest.

A Midseason Surge

James' performance trajectory this season has been anything but consistent, yet his late-season surge has been nothing short of remarkable. Before February, many believed that James would be hard-pressed to maintain his streak of 25-plus points per game, as he was averaging only 23.8 points per game at that time. However, following a series of changes to the Lakers' roster, including the acquisition of Luka Dončić and the absence of Anthony Davis due to injury, James turned on the jets. He erupted in February, putting up 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, with shooting splits of 55.5% from the field, 44.3% from three, and 73.8% from the free-throw line. He also led the Lakers to a 9-2 record in that stretch.

James became the only player in NBA history to score 40 points multiple times after the age of 40, a feat he achieved twice in February with games of 42 points, 17 rebounds, and 8 assists, and 40 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. This performance earned him his 41st career Player of the Month award, breaking the record for the oldest player to ever win the award. The numbers alone are eye-popping, but what stands out even more is the fact that James has done this while carrying a Lakers team that was going through significant changes.

Thanks to his surge in February, James raised his season scoring average to 24.9 points per game. By March 9, just before suffering a groin injury against the Boston Celtics, James had brought his scoring average up to exactly 25 points per game. Had it not been for this injury, it's entirely possible that James could have finished the season well above the 25-point threshold once again.

The Effects of Age and Injury

As with any player in their 40s, age has begun to take its toll on James’ body, but the decline has been far more gradual than anyone expected. His speed and leaping ability may not be what they were in his prime, but his basketball IQ, passing ability, and versatility have remained at an elite level. The injury he suffered in March, a groin strain, did cause him to miss a few games and temporarily slow his momentum. However, despite this setback, James remains a force to be reckoned with.

This is a player who has been in the NBA for over two decades, and for the most part, he has defied the typical aging curve. While some might argue that his explosive athleticism is no longer the focal point of his game, his adaptability has allowed him to remain one of the top players in the league. He’s learned to rely more on his craft—his elite court vision, his unmatched passing ability, and his strength in the post. His ability to still control the game, even without the same burst he once had, shows the evolution of his game.

The fact that James can still produce at such a high level is not just impressive—it's historic. Even when the physical gifts begin to fade, James has found ways to maintain his dominance through an intelligent, strategic approach to the game. This transformation has allowed him to adapt, yet remain one of the best players in the world.

The MVP Discussion

Despite his age and injury concerns, James is still firmly in the MVP conversation. As of now, he ranks sixth in the league on the latest MVP ballot, trailing players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Donovan Mitchell. While it’s unlikely that he’ll win the award this season, James’ place in the MVP conversation at this stage of his career is a testament to how valuable and impactful he still is. His statistics alone are worthy of recognition, and they reinforce his place among the game’s elite players.

In addition to MVP considerations, James is also on track to make his 21st consecutive appearance on an All-NBA team. Should he make the All-NBA Second Team, it will mark another incredible milestone for James, as no player has ever achieved such sustained excellence for such a prolonged period. This achievement is particularly remarkable when considering the level of talent in the league today and the fact that James has done this while battling Father Time.

The Lakers' Championship Prospects

As for the Lakers, their championship hopes are now more viable than ever, thanks to the strong play of James and the addition of Luka Dončić to the roster. After securing a 50th win with a victory over the Houston Rockets, the Lakers are in a prime position to make a deep playoff run. This marks the first time since the 2019-20 season that the Lakers have reached 50 wins, a season that also ended with a championship.

The pairing of James and Dončić has the potential to make the Lakers one of the most formidable teams in the league. Both players can take over games individually, and together, they form one of the most dynamic duos in the NBA. While the Western Conference remains highly competitive, no other team in the West boasts a pairing quite like James and Dončić. The Lakers’ championship prospects are now firmly tied to the performance of their two superstars, and if James can continue to produce at this level, they are certainly a team to watch come playoff time.

A Legacy That Continues to Grow

LeBron James’ legacy is already cemented as one of the greatest players in NBA history. The accolades, the championships, the MVPs—they are all part of what makes James one of the most iconic athletes of all time. However, the way he has continued to perform at such a high level, even at the age of 40, is perhaps the most impressive feat of all. In a time when most players begin to slow down, James has not only maintained his level of excellence but has also found ways to evolve and adapt his game.

At 40, James is still one of the top players in the NBA, and that alone speaks volumes about his greatness. Whether or not he wins another MVP or secures another championship, his place in basketball history is already secure. His performance this season—24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game—reflects his continued dominance and versatility. For LeBron James, age is simply a number, and as he continues to defy the odds, the rest of the NBA world will be watching in awe.