LeBron James is set to celebrate his 40th birthday on Monday, a monumental milestone that will make him the first player in NBA history to compete in his teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s. This remarkable achievement not only highlights James' longevity but also underscores his extraordinary impact on the game of basketball.

Recently, James broke another record, becoming the holder of the title for most regular-season minutes played in an NBA career. Teammates of the Los Angeles Lakers greeted this moment with humor, poking fun at his age. James jested, “They told me I’m old as hell,” highlighting his enduring spirit and the camaraderie within the team. His journey began nearly 22 years ago when he entered the league as the iconic “Kid from Akron.” Today, he stands as a symbol of sustained excellence in sports.

This milestone positions James in an exclusive club formerly limited to players in other sports; while several baseball athletes and hockey greats like Gordie Howe have played across five decades, the NBA has yet to see such a feat until now. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called James “a freak of nature,” emphasizing his dedication and work ethic, stating, “He’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve been around. I mean, he doesn’t take a day off.”

However, entering one's 40s in the NBA typically signals the twilight of a player's career. James is set to join an elite group of only 30 players who have appeared in a regular-season game at this age; historically, few have achieved significant success afterward. Notably, only a handful of players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan, have averaged over 10 points per game post-40, making James’ current averages of 23.5 points, 9 assists, and 7.5 rebounds even more astonishing.

His performance at this age is unmatched in modern basketball, further solidifying his status among the greats. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra noted that James' ability to adapt his game allows him to remain competitive, suggesting he could continue to excel for years to come, albeit while managing the physical demands he faces. “We’re not talking about the best athlete in the association. He was the best athlete on the planet arguably,” Spoelstra explained.

Despite the accolades, including being the NBA’s all-time scoring leader and a four-time champion, the question of when James will retire looms large. Facing increasing scrutiny and expectations, he has expressed some uncertainty about playing indefinitely. Notably, he has said, “I’m not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest.” Yet, he stands as a beacon of inspiration, having not only set records but also paved the way for future generations, with players like Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledging James' role in shaping the aspirations of younger athletes.

James' remarkable career achievements include his generational wealth, with a net worth surpassing $1 billion, alongside 20 All-Star selections and numerous accolades that have defined his legacy. As he approaches this new chapter, the basketball world watches closely for what this 40-year-old icon will accomplish next.

As NBA Commissioner Silver aptly stated, “Fans pay attention every time he steps on the court because they’re watching one of the greatest ever.”

For more details, you can read the full articles on [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/lebron-james-40-birthday-nba-860c75a450f50282330381cc99c0e5c0) and [HuffPost](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nba-lebron-james-40-birthday_n_677205f6e4b0ce8b06c2fbc8).