If you stop and think about it, it’s incredible how LeBron James is still one of the top dogs in the Los Angeles Lakers roster when he’s almost certainly the oldest active player in the NBA.
King James has been playing professional basketball since 2003, so the fact that he’s still one of the most elite basketball players despite some of his teammates being a decade younger is nothing short of incredible.
Just in case fans forgot just how old LeBron is, one social media account made an astonishing comparison that would have even the biggest LeBron hater step back and think about things for a good minute.
LeBron James remains dominant across Frank Gore, Frank Gore Jr.’s NFL careers
Hoops Legion pointed out an interesting factoid about LeBron James’ career that would have everyone reconsidering just how blessed James is when it comes to his genetics and basketball IQ:
LeBron James averaged 27.2 PPG when Frank Gore entered the NFL.
LeBron averaged 25.7 PPG when Frank Gore’s son entered the NFL.
This is insane. (via @LeBatardShow) pic.twitter.com/i0ubRPltfd
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 26, 2024
Frank Gore is a five-time Pro Bowl running back who played most of his career with the San Francisco 49ers. His career spanned from 2005 to 2020, where he ran for a total of 16,000 rushing yards and 81 rushing TDs.
Meanwhile, Frank Gore Jr. is an undrafted running back with the Buffalo Bills. While his position in the NFL is far from secure, he had a great career at Southern Mississippi where he ran for 4022 yards and 26 touchdowns.
The fact that King James’s career spans longer than a terrific running back like Gore and will make it to his son’s potential first NFL season is a wild reminder how rare of a basketball career he’s having. Fans will likely look back at his career when all is said and done and praise him for how well he’s maintained his elite productivity.
Will LeBron James remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the rest of his career?
If the 2024 Olympics is anything to go by, it’s not weird to see James play well into his forties. He’s such a great athlete with an incredible basketball mind that he can still make high-impact plays.
His averages last season also suggest that he’s still got plenty left in the tank. He finished last season averaging 25.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 8.3 APG. He will remain a key piece in the Lakers puzzle as they try to win their 18th championship banner.
If things go south with the Lakers in the coming season and he’s still playing at an elite level, it’s very possible that LeBron would team up with Stephen Curry and try for the championship one more time. The Lakers would be in for a long rebuild if that happens.
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