Despite being 32 years old now, LeBron James is still playing at a very high level, and even better than a lot of younger players in the league. He is proving that age is just a number, and that as long as a player takes care of his body and health, it’s possible to keep on improving further.
The Cleveland Cavaliers star forward recently talked about his conditioning, and was proud to say that this year is one of the best he’s had so far. He then added, via Nick Friedell of ESPN, that he plans to break the mold by serving as an inspiration to the next generation that having the opportunity to secure a lucrative contract, even if someone is past his prime, is very much possible.
“Team success is always the No. 1, but along the way if you’re able accomplish some individual awards, individual achievements, it would mean a lot,” James said after Saturday’s shootaround. “I feel good. This is my 15th year, but this is one of the best years I’ve had as far as how I feel, and I want to continue that. I want to kind of try to break the mold for the next generation. So just take the narrative out of, ‘OK, you’re past your prime when you get [to] 31, or you’re past your prime in your 12th year in the league, or whatever the case may be.’
“Hopefully I can break the mold, so when the next guy comes, he can still get $200 or $300 million and be 33 years old. I’m serious. You guys are laughing, I’m serious. This is the mold I’m trying to break. It’s not just about me, it’s for the next crew, as well … I’ll be 33 in 15 days. This is my 15th season, and this is the best I’ve felt in my career. I want it all.”
Through 30 games this season, LeBron James is averaging 28.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals, a career-high 9.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 37.2 minutes per game. After the Cavs’ slow start to the campaign, James has led them to winning 17 of their last 18 games, catapulting them to second place in the Eastern Conference with a 22-8 record.
LeBron James is truly be a once-in-a-lifetime athlete, and the amount of work he puts in during practices and in the weight room is a testament to how much he wants to continue being one of the best players in the world. A max contract is definitely in store for James, but what’s more impressive is the manner in which he’s also looking out for his fellow players’ welfare.