LeBron James just celebrated his 41st birthday, and if you ask anyone around the Los Angeles Lakers’ locker room, the living legend’s age is nothing more than a number. With the Lakers gearing up for a critical matchup against the Detroit Pistons, the spotlight has landed firmly on James, whose career continues to defy the limits of time and expectation. For his teammates, especially big men DeAndre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, James’ longevity isn’t just impressive—it’s downright inspiring.
James’ birthday, falling on December 30, 2025, marked yet another milestone in a journey that’s already the stuff of NBA folklore. Now in his 23rd season, the four-time MVP continues to put up numbers that would make most players half his age green with envy. Averaging 20.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists through 14 games this season, James is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, over his last eight games leading up to New Year’s Eve, he’s been even more prolific, averaging 25.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
“Consistency, being true to the game—it’s pretty obvious,” Ayton told The Sporting News after a Lakers practice. “He takes care of his body, he’s a true professional. It’s contagious. You want to put some of this stuff in your bag as well. He ain’t hiding nothing from you. So you might as well take free game.”
The sentiment is echoed by Jaxson Hayes, who spoke to Olympics.com about the impact James’ preparation has on the team. “Definitely his preparation,” Hayes said. “I’ve never seen someone so prepared. He has his whole schedule lined up, he sticks to it every day. He’s the first one in the gym every day, and that’s just a testament to him and how great of a player he is.”
That professionalism and attention to detail aren’t just for show. The numbers back it up. In a recent outing against the Sacramento Kings, James delivered one of his most efficient performances as a Laker, scoring 24 points on 10-for-11 shooting from inside the arc and 1-for-2 from beyond the three-point line. That translated to an eye-popping 84.6% field goal percentage—the third-best single-game mark of his entire career, according to ESPN’s Matt Williams and Dave McMenamin. On top of the scoring, he added three rebounds, five assists, and two steals, reminding everyone that he’s still a two-way force.
It’s not just about the stats, though. James’ presence and leadership ripple through the Lakers organization. Ayton, who joined the Lakers this season, credits James’ routine and relentless work ethic for setting the tone. “Just seeing him in his 23rd year, how many reps he puts in, how early he gets to the gym—it just amazes you,” Ayton said. “Of course you want to put some of this stuff in your bag as well.”
Hayes, another young center learning from the best, can’t help but marvel at James’ daily discipline. “He’s the first one in the gym every day, and that’s just a testament to him and how great of a player he is,” Hayes reiterated. The message is clear: greatness isn’t an accident. It’s the product of years—decades, in James’ case—of meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment.
So what keeps James pushing after all these years? The answer, it seems, is a combination of love for the game and a refusal to rest on his laurels. While the media often fixates on his chemistry with young superstar Luka Doncic, James is quick to redirect the conversation to the team as a whole. “I don’t wanna create a narrative of me and Luka. There’s five guys on the floor and about seven guys that come off the bench; it needs to be all of us,” James said following the Lakers’ win over Sacramento. For James, basketball is—and always has been—a team sport.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are reaping the benefits of their leader’s ageless brilliance. Entering their showdown with the Pistons, the team boasted a strong 20-10 record, good enough for fifth place in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. With the February All-Star break looming, the Lakers find themselves in prime position to make a second-half push. And with James still setting the standard, there’s a sense of belief in the locker room that anything is possible.
“It’s contagious,” Ayton said again, emphasizing the ripple effect James’ professionalism has on the entire squad. “Just seeing how he approaches each day, how he takes care of his body, it makes you want to step up your own game. He’s not hiding anything—he’s always willing to share what he knows.”
That willingness to mentor and lead by example is perhaps James’ greatest gift to his teammates. In a league where careers can be fleeting and the pressure to perform is immense, James’ consistency offers a blueprint for sustained excellence. His approach to preparation—arriving before anyone else, sticking to a strict schedule, and refusing to cut corners—serves as a daily reminder that greatness is built one day at a time.
Of course, the Lakers’ hopes for another deep playoff run rest not just on James’ shoulders but on the collective effort of the team. The Western Conference is as deep as ever, with contenders lurking at every turn. But with James at the helm, the Lakers have a proven leader who knows what it takes to win—and who isn’t afraid to demand the same commitment from everyone around him.
As the All-Star break approaches, the Lakers will look to build on their strong start and position themselves for a postseason push. For now, though, the focus remains on the day-to-day grind—on the practices, the preparation, and the pursuit of excellence that has defined James’ career. And as Ayton and Hayes can attest, there’s no better example to follow than the man who just turned 41 and still dominates the NBA stage.
With LeBron James leading the way, the Lakers’ locker room is buzzing with energy and belief. The team’s blend of youth and experience, anchored by James’ unwavering dedication, has them poised for another memorable campaign. As the season unfolds and the stakes get higher, all eyes will be on the King—and if history is any guide, he’s not done adding to his legend just yet.
