Only 31 players in NBA history have taken over at age 40.
Lakers star LeBron James is about to turn 32, however, as the 20-time All-Star will celebrate his 40th birthday on Monday. Los Angeles will face James’ former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the following night.
Christmas has come and gone, but now the second round of presents is coming James’ way. Here are three that you might be hoping for:
Anthony Davis’ clean bill of health
December 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) drives Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) during the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Photos by Darren Yamashita-Imagn Although Davis appeared in 30 of the Lakers’ 31 games this season, he was a frequent guest on the injury report. It looks like Los Angeles has him there as a defensive measure, however, as the 31-year-old has been incredible to start the campaign (26.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.0 blocks per game).
Still, it sounds like Davis will miss time soon, and this was especially the case on Wednesday when he left the game against the Golden State Warriors with an ankle injury.
Fortunately for the Lakers, Davis ended up being okay. He was back in Saturday night’s 132-122 win over the Sacramento Kings and finished with 36 points, 15 boards and eight assists.
Davis may not be feeling too well, but if he can get his recurring injury name dropped, James will certainly have some peace of mind.
His son to be better at basketball
Nov 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) looks for a pass as Toronto Raptors guard Ja’Kobe Walter (14) defends in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Photos by John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Imagine if Bronny James could hold his own at the NBA level.
Instead, whenever Bronny James watches a game, it feels like he’s suddenly transported back to high school, where he once watched the captain of the varsity basketball team—who was kicked to the curb on the first day of tryouts—get some minutes in garbage time because it was the last game of the senior year. .
If the day ever comes when the elder James gets to join the court with his child, and his child is eligible to attend, that would be special.
He can hope and wish all he wants, but LeBron James probably won’t get this gift for another two or three years. And that may be an open estimate.
Dorian Finney-Smith will step in
Los Angeles made a splash in the trade market on Sunday, acquiring Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three future second-round picks.
The centerpiece of the deal was Finney-Smith, who brings defensive toughness and stellar 3-point scoring (43.5) to the West Coast. Finney-Smith averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20 games (all starts) with Brooklyn this season.
Finney-Smith won’t turn the Lakers’ defense into a brick wall as soon as he steps off the plane. However, he is better on that side of the floor, and by going out and getting Finney-Smith, Los Angeles is showing that it is committed to building a better team for LeBron James to chase another ring with.
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