In a recent appearance on the Run Your Race podcast, Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan offered insights into LeBron James‘ remarkable NBA career, focusing on the Lakers star’s historic longevity and influence. DeRozan emphasized the difficulty of competing against the 2016 version of James, calling it nearly impossible for today’s players to match his peak performance.
LeBron James is currently competing in his 22nd NBA season at age 40, making him the oldest active player in the league. Despite his age, James continues to deliver impressive on-court performances that defy expectations.
Statistical Evidence of James’ High-Level Play in Recent Seasons
During the 2024-25 regular season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, complemented by defensive contributions including 1.0 steal and 0.6 blocks. In the 2025 playoffs, his production increased with averages of 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks. His strong performance earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team.
However, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the postseason after a five-game series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. James sustained a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Game 5, which affected his mobility late in the series.
DeRozan Reflections: The 2016 LeBron James as an Unmatched Competitor
DeRozan recalled his playoff encounters with James, particularly the time when James was on the Cleveland Cavaliers while he played for the Toronto Raptors. He noted that he never managed to defeat James in the postseason and maintained that no current NBA players could have matched the 2016 LeBron.
I told somebody this the other day like when they was playin’ in the series,
DeRozan said. They was talkin’ about Bron can’t get it done, Ant (Anthony Edwards) beatin’ ’em. I remember tellin’ a group of people, I said, ‘Most these (expletive) wouldn’t stand a chance vs. a 2016 Bron.’ —DeMar DeRozan
People forget the man been doin’ this 22 years man. Somethin’ we never seen in no sport. To be able to dominate this long as he has. The standard that he’s been held to at a 40-year-old man. To still do that at that level, I’m pretty sure 99 percent of people in the league would not be doin’ none of that at 40 years of age, hoopin’ at that high of a level. It’s always easy to pick on greatness when you haven’t seen it to that level before.
—DeMar DeRozan
LeBron James’ Legendary Career Milestones and Legacy
Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. Over his career, he has averaged 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks. In 2023, James became the all-time leading scorer in NBA history.
His accolades include four Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, four NBA championships, and four NBA Finals MVP titles, solidifying his place in basketball history.
Impact and What Lies Ahead for LeBron James
LeBron James’ ability to compete at an elite level at age 40 underscores his exceptional conditioning and dedication, which continue to set a high bar in professional sports. DeRozan’s comments reflect a widespread admiration for James’ stamina and skill, which are rare in any athletic discipline.
As James recovers from his knee injury, the focus will shift to how much more impact he can have in his ongoing career, adding further chapters to his NBA legacy that spans over two decades.