LeBron Turns Back Time: 31 at 41 in Lakers’ Stunning Win
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If there were any doubts about whether **LeBron James** is nearing the end, Friday night quickly put them to rest. Returning from an early-season absence due to sciatica, the Lakers star delivered a statement performance that felt less like a comeback and more like a reminder: time still hasn’t caught him. In a tight home win over the **Memphis Grizzlies**, LeBron controlled the game with authority, showing the same poise and impact that have defined his career for more than two decades.
Playing at **Crypto.com Arena**, the 41-year-old finished with 31 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, powering the **Los Angeles Lakers** to a 128–121 victory. The night carried historical weight as well. With that scoring output, LeBron became just the second player in NBA history to score at least 25 points in a game after turning 41, joining **Kareem Abdul-Jabbar** in an exclusive club that underscores his rare longevity.
The comparison is fitting. Abdul-Jabbar set his mark late in his career, and decades later LeBron answered with an even bigger night at the same age, adding another milestone to a résumé already packed with them. Beyond the single game, his season production continues to defy expectations. Through his early appearances this year, LeBron has remained efficient and versatile, contributing across the stat sheet while maintaining elite shooting numbers.
What stands out most is the broader picture. LeBron’s career scoring totals — combining regular season and playoffs — are still climbing, pushing him further into uncharted territory for players in their 40s. Each performance now adds not just points, but perspective on how uncommon his durability truly is.
After missing time and hearing renewed talk about retirement, LeBron didn’t offer a speech — just results. Friday night wasn’t about nostalgia. It was proof that, even in his 23rd season, he remains one of the league’s defining forces.
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