LeBron James’ first 40 years: timeless legend

He won with Miami (two rings), Cleveland and LA Lakers

December 30, 1984. In Akron, in the state of Ohio, LaBron Raymone James was born. Exactly 40 years later, everyone celebrates him. LBJ è became one of the brightest stars in basketball history, perhaps the brightest ever.

His palmares è impressive, as is his sports longevity. He has won four NBA rings. Two with the Miami Heat jersey (2012 and 2013), one in Cleveland, "his home" (2016) and one also with the prestigious LA Lakers jersey (2020). Four times, è he was voted MVP of the American League. He è put the Olympic gold medal around his neck three times (Beijing, London and Paris). And there'è lots and lots more…

È the best scorer in NBA history and also the player who played the most minutes. Chosen, clearly with the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, in his debut game, against the Sacramento Kings, he put up 25 points. Even today, his salary è pharaonic: $48.7 million. Confirmation that King James è still an absolute all-star.

He is playing his 22nd season in the NBA (record shared with Vince Carter) but, unlike other 40-year-olds of the past, his stats are monstrous. He is scoring over 23 points per game on average, while also adding about seven rebounds and nine assists per shoelace. In short, a Martian who likes, always has, to dominate on a basketball court. And, fortunately, retirement still seems a long way off. Who knows; maybe he’ll get to break Hickey’s record, on the court at 45 years and 363 days. In the meantime, he enjoys his first 40 years, lived always as a king.