Lakers' JJ Redick Discusses LeBron James Still Playing in NBA Ahead of 41st Birthday

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will join his head coach at age 41 on Tuesday, which caused JJ Redick to reflect on how "remarkable" it is that the King is still playing in the NBA.

"It is remarkable, I have trouble getting out of bed in the morning and got to get an injection on my knee," Redick said. "My body is old and broken. It's like that [maxim]: If you don't use it, you lose it. And once I stopped using it, I lost it all. I can still barely touch the rim."

While Redick was clearly having some fun with the situation, it is a testament to James' astounding durability that he is still playing at the sport's highest level while so many of his peers, former teammates and former opponents have retired.

This is his 23rd season in the league, and he was an All-NBA Second-Team performer in 2024-25.

The sheer amount of miles he has put on his body playing for so long might be catching up to him somewhat in 2025-26, though, as he has appeared in just 14 of the Lakers' 30 games due to sciatica and other ailments.

Kings-Lakers Full Highlights

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Fortunately for the Purple and Gold, they still have Luka Dončić to lead the way when James is sidelined. This is arguably the first time in James' career he isn't the go-to option on his respective team, and that should help Los Angeles remain afloat in the daunting Western Conference even if he isn't as available as he was at his peak.

The future Hall of Famer has remained effective when he does play and is averaging 20.5 points, 6.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 50.7 percent from the field.

Whether this is his final campaign in the NBA or not remains to be seen, as it is the final season on his contract. But it is still a marvel he has been so dominant for so long.

Just ask his retired head coach.