Once again, LeBron James has left everyone in disbelief.
He scored 30 points on 13-of-14 shooting from the field or a whopping 92.9 percent, while tallying five rebounds and two assists in the Los Angeles Lakers 124-116 victory over Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.
Advertisement
With every point scored, commentators, fans and pundits had to remind themselves that James was 41 years old and in his 23rd year in the league. However, Durant seemed unfazed by the performance. Having been in the league for 18 years now, the legendary forward said this is what James has been doing since the start of his career. He is just doing it less now because of his old age.
“I’m not surprised anymore,” Durant told reporters after the game. “He’s a freak athlete. He’s a generational athlete.”
Advertisement
KD believes LeBron can still play longer
With this outing, James became the first Laker to score at least 30 points on 90 percent shooting since Shaquille O’Neal in March 2003. He also tied the most efficient shooting night of his career.
His five-rebound outing placed him in an elite club of players who reached 12,000 career rebounds. He now has 12,002.
It is numbers like this, not to mention his all-time great resume, that make him Michael Jordan’s perennial rival for the GOAT title. He could not have done it without his longevity, something Durant recently described as a different type of greatness.
Advertisement
And here he is, still soaring for alley-oop dunks like he is still in his prime.
Sure, Luka Doncic had 40 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists, but the way James turned back the clock tonight against the Rockets was pure and timeless greatness. And for Durant, this is more evidence that the old-timer can still suit up longer than many expect.
“I think he could play until he’s 45 years old,” he said. “I don’t think he’ll be around that long, but I think he could play for another four to five years, to be honest. It’s not a surprise anymore.”
Advertisement
Durant admits LeBron inspires him
James is not alone, though, as Durant is still giving players a run for their money at 37. In the losing effort, he scored 18 points on 66.6 percent shooting from the field, grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists.
This season, he is averaging 25.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. He is approaching Jordan in the all-time scoring list, looking to overtake him for fifth place. As of writing, he has 32,242 points, 50 away from MJ’s record (32,292).
Advertisement
Through all the victories, heartbreaks, injuries and issues, Durant’s love for the game still has not wavered. He believes that James is the same, and he could not help but get inspired by his fellow legend.
“At his age, 41, but he looks great out there. When you love the game as much as he does, you’ll do anything to stay locked in and on top of your game. He’s very inspiring as a human being,” he said.
James and the Lakers won their seventh straight game in a row and are third in the Western Conference with a 44-25 record. Meanwhile, the Rockets are in fifth place with a 41-27 record.
Advertisement
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.