LeBron James, at 39 years old, has once again proven himself to be the dominant force in the star-studded Team USA squad preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics. In a recent scrimmage against the Team USA Select squad, which includes some of the league’s young and emerging talents, James’ continued excellence left a lasting impression on one of his teammates, Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets.[1][2]
“Dude’s 40 years old and he’s the best player on the court,” Thompson remarked, highlighting James’ remarkable longevity and skill level despite his advancing age. This sentiment was echoed in a poll conducted among the Olympic camp participants, where James emerged as the clear winner, receiving the most votes as the best player on the team.[2][4]
The United States men’s Olympic basketball team is widely regarded as one of the most talented rosters ever assembled, drawing comparisons to the legendary 1992 “Dream Team.” However, even in the presence of other future Hall of Famers, James stood out as the standout performer, outshining his younger counterparts, including the highly touted 17-year-old prospect Cooper Flagg, who was voted the top player on the Select team.[2][4]
Flagg, who is committed to Duke University and is widely expected to be the top pick in the 2025 NBA draft, showcased his impressive skills during the scrimmages. However, the real revelation was the continued dominance of LeBron James, who, despite nearing his 22nd season in the NBA, proved to be the top performer according to the poll.[2][4]
James’ remarkable statistics from the recent NBA season speak volumes about his enduring prowess. Last season, he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game while logging 35.3 minutes per night across 71 games.[1] These impressive numbers, coupled with his efficient shooting percentages, suggest that James may remain a top-tier player for at least another season or two, bolstered by his new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.[2]
The fact that James, at 39 years old, is still considered the best player on a team filled with some of the league’s brightest stars is a testament to his unparalleled skill, work ethic, and dedication to the game. Amen Thompson’s awe-struck assessment of James’ dominance on the court underscores the respect and admiration the younger generation of players have for the four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP.[1]
As Team USA prepares for the upcoming Olympic competition, the presence of LeBron James as the team’s undisputed leader and best player will undoubtedly be a significant advantage. His experience, leadership, and continued excellence will be crucial in guiding the star-studded squad to gold medal glory in Paris.[1][2]
The fact that James is still performing at such a high level at the age of 39 has sparked discussions about his longevity and the possibility of him playing well into his 40s. Some have even joked about James potentially playing until he’s 62 years old, a testament to his unparalleled physical and mental resilience.[3]
Regardless of how long James continues to defy Father Time, his impact on the game of basketball is undeniable. As he leads Team USA in their quest for Olympic gold, the world will once again witness the brilliance of a true basketball legend, a player who has transcended the sport and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest to ever step on the court.