LeBron James on NBA Longevity: “I Have a Son Who Is My Former Teammate

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James highlighted his unprecedented NBA longevity by pointing to a stark family milestone, noting that he currently shares the league with a son who is nearly 22 years old and was previously his teammate. Speaking in a recent interview, the league’s all-time leading scorer reflected on a career spanning over two decades, emphasizing the surreal nature of playing alongside his eldest son, Bronny James, during the historic father-son duo’s time on the court together.

A Quarter-Century of Elite Basketball

LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003 as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, drafted straight out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. Over 22 seasons, the four-time NBA champion has redefined athletic endurance in professional sports. According to league records, James has accumulated more than 40,000 career regular-season points, surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing scoring record, and appeared in 20 NBA All-Star Games. His durability across stints with the Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers remains unmatched in modern basketball history.

Sharing the Court With Bronny James

The defining chapter of James’s historic career reached a milestone when the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. On October 22, 2024, during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, father and son stepped onto the floor together, becoming the first active father-son duo in NBA history. “Tengo un hijo de casi 22 años que es mi excompañero de equipo,” James remarked, reflecting on the unique dynamic of sharing a professional locker room with his son.

Chasing Further History With the Lakers

As the Lakers navigate the 2024–25 NBA regular season under head coach JJ Redick, LeBron James continues to produce at an elite level despite turning 40 years old in December 2024. Basketball analysts and league executives frequently question when the forward will slow down, but James’s current player efficiency rating and nightly output indicate no immediate plans for retirement. The Lakers remain focused on securing a high playoff seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, relying on the veteran leadership of James alongside co-star Anthony Davis.

What Comes Next for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers continue their regular-season schedule with upcoming matchups against conference rivals as the playoff push intensifies. Fans and analysts can follow official league updates, injury reports, and game broadcasts via the NBA’s official schedule page. Join the conversation below by sharing your thoughts on LeBron James’s historic longevity and his milestone season alongside Bronny.