Three days after turning 41, basketball icon LeBron James made no secret that age is just a number in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 128-121 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
James exploded for 31 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, making 12 of his 18 field goal attempts. It was a vintage ‘King James’ performance.
LeBron James Continues To Break Records
The 23-year NBA veteran has been in uncharted territory for a while now, breaking through multiple age and record barriers, but he hasn’t finished yet. The Lakers star made NBA history again in the win over the Grizzlies, holding the record for most points scored in a game by a player after turning 41.
James didn’t face much competition to secure the record, with only one other player reaching 25+ points after turning 41. Of course, it had to be Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who recorded 25 points, six rebounds, and three assists against the San Antonio Spurs on April 19, 1988.
There have been two instances in the regular season of a player recording 25 or more PTS in a game after turning 41 years old.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 25 PTS on 04/19/88
LeBron James: 31 PTS on 01/02/26LeBron now holds the record for the most PTS scored in a game by a player… pic.twitter.com/uA7eoD9jWv
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2026
What’s even more fascinating is that Abdul-Jabbar’s best points tally after turning 41 was also three days after his birthday, just like James.
However, with the career and persistent excellence that James has created in his 23 years, it’s hard to believe that he will never score more than 31 points again in the NBA. It appears the four-time NBA champion has been around forever, but there are still some longevity records he can chase down if he decides to stay in the league.
Six players in NBA history have played in the NBA at 42 years old, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Dikembe Mutombo, Vince Carter, and, most recently, Udonis Haslem.
James’ former Miami Heat teammate, Udonis Haslem, holds the NBA record for most points by a 42-year-old, scoring 24 against the Orlando Magic in 2023. If the Lakers continue to carry on how they are playing this season, winning 21 games and sitting fifth in the Western Conference, it would be tough for James to walk away.
The Lakers have the most lethal guard partnership in the NBA, led by Luka Dončić (33.6 points per game) and side-kicked by Austin Reaves (26.6 PPG). As for James, who was labelled ‘phenomenal’ by coach JJ Redick following his 31-point outburst, he has shown no signs that ‘Father Time’ is even remotely close to catching him up.
The ‘King’ has averaged 20.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 16 games this season, shooting 50.8% from the field.
There are question marks surrounding his future and how long he is willing to stay in the NBA for, but if there is anything that’s definitely true, it’s that James is still one of the best in the league today.
