LeBron James turns 40: Highlighting NBA legend’s achievements in last decade

Here are LeBron James' career highlights as the King just turned 40, making him the oldest player to still be producing at an unparalleled level.

LeBron James turns 40: Highlighting NBA legend’s achievements in last decade

King James turns 40.

LeBron James, affectionately known as “King James,” turned 40 years old on December 30, 2024. Back in the day, little did people know that this small kid from Akron, Ohio, would go on to achieve some of the biggest feats in basketball history. Playing for the purple and gold in his record-setting 22nd year in the league, he is now the oldest player actively competing in the game of basketball.

Remarkably, LeBron James is still playing over 35 minutes a game, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his first love—hooping. Over his successful career, James has etched his name into numerous lists, breaking several milestones and securing NBA titles, MVP awards, gold medals, and virtually every other accolade he set his eyes on.

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From being compared to Michael Jordan in GOAT debates to redefining the very metric of greatness, one thing is for certain: LeBron James has cemented his place on the Mount Rushmore of the NBA.

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His durability is second to none. It is the reason he has been able to perform at such a high level, ultimately surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the all-time leader in scoring with a total of 41,131 points—and counting.

It’s truly spectacular that, despite coming out of high school with immense pressure and sky-high media expectations, King James not only met but exceeded them. Entering the league at the young age of 18, the 2003–04 Rookie of the Year had no idea that he would one day play alongside his own son or become one of the greatest to ever do it.

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A deep dive into LeBron James’ remarkable list of accolades

LeBron James has won four NBA Championships during his career. He won his first and second ring in the years 2012 and 2013 with the Miami Heat. He won his next two with Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and 2020 with the Los Angeles Laker respectively.

The King went to 10 straight NBA finals, marking a two-decade long dominance over the ball in NBA that hasn’t been witnessed in basketball before. Here’s a list of his achievements that only continue to grow over time:

  • Rookie of the Year 2003-04
  • 4 x NBA Champion
  • 4 x NBA Finals MVP
  • 4 x NBA MVP
  • 20 x All-Star
  • 20 x All-NBA
  • 3 x NBA All-Star Game MVP
  • 3 x Olympic Gold Medalist
  • 6 x NBA All-Defense
  • First NBA Cup ever
  • 41,131 PTS – Most points in NBA history 
  • 57,579 MINS – Most minutes in NBA history
  • 11,219 AST – 4th highest assists in NBA history
  • 2,466 3PM – 7th highest 3-pointers made in NBA history
  • 11,405 REB – 28th highest rebounds in NBA history 

Because James is a generational once in a lifetime talent, his legacy transcends the arena of NBA. Besides basketball, James has also become a father, a global icon, a billionaire, and a philanthropist, notably founding the “I PROMISE” school. It’s amazing that fans can still tune in on a Tuesday night to watch this superhuman dunk a ball with ease or perhaps even drop another 39 points—if he feels like it.

Currently, LeBron and the Lakers are looking to make another playoff run as they build a better team under the new head coach and friend, JJ Redick. At age 40, he will also become the first player to still be averaging nearly 23.5 points per game, 9 assists, while grabbing 7.9 boards. No wonder NBA ratings hinge on this guy. Fans are cherishing every moment they can.