LeBron James continues to defy expectations in the NBA.
He is regularly bracketed alongside Michael Jordan as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, and he isn’t finished yet.
On Tuesday, LeBron made history when he shared the court with son Bronny for the Los Angeles Lakers.
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It was the first game of LeBron’s 22nd season in the NBA as part of a truly incredible career.
The Ringer's latest list of the best NBA players has named LeBron in 10th, behind the likes of Nikola Jokic (1st), Joel Embiid (5th) and Steph Curry (7th).
But the list ranks every NBA player based on their expected level for the 2024/25 season.
And the fact that LeBron rounds out the top ten at the age of 39 perfectly illustrates the longevity that lies behind his GOAT credentials.
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He is set to become just the 24th player in history to play in the NBA into his forties, and he continues to be an elite force in the league.
The Ringer notes LeBron’s incredible versatility across a career spanning more than two decades and counting, and while he continues to dominate for the Lakers his role may also evolve into teacher.
The Lakers have ten rostered players aged 26 or under, including Bronny, and if LeBron can impart some of the knowledge that has helped him to win four NBA titles it will set the franchise up for long term success long after the superstar himself has retired.
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And that would only enhance LeBron’s already stellar reputation.
LeBron has already been teaching his son the skills and attributes needed to reach the NBA, and the pair realised a long held dream when they played alongside each other in the NBA opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Speaking to the media after the 110-103 win, LeBron said: "That moment, us being at the scorer's table together and checking in together, something I will never forget.
"No matter how old I get, no matter how my memory may fade as I get older or whatever, I will never forget that moment."
Topics: NBA, Michael Jordan, Lebron James
Alex Chivers