In his record-setting 23rd professional season, LeBron James continues to prove his greatness. The 2025-26 season was a challenging start for the 41-year-old.
James was dealing with sciatica on his right side during traning camp and the preseason. This injury forced James to miss the first 14 games of the year. It was the first time he’s ever missed opening night. However, LeBron has bounced back nicely since his return. He’s been asked to do more in the last few weeks with Austin Reaves out. Recently, the NBA’s X account posted a sweet highlight package of LeBron James’ top dunks since turning 40.
LeBron James can still throw down dunks with the top players in the NBA
LeBron James continues to defy Father Time!
His best slams since turning 40 😱💥 pic.twitter.com/5j88daJ0U7
— NBA (@NBA) January 21, 2026
So far this season, LeBron James has made 25 starts for the Lakers. He missed the first 14 games of the year due to injury. Since his return, James has only missed three games. While his overall production is slightly down compared to last season, James is still playing at an unprecedented level. Hall of Famer Vince Carter played 22 professinal season in the NBA. In his final year, Carter averaged 5.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.
In year 23, James is blowing those numbers out of the water. The 41-year-old is averaging 22.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. While James has missed time this season, he is doing his part when healthy. Fans of the NBA take for granted just how special a player like LeBron James is. His explosiveness in 2025-26 is just as good as it’s ever been. King James continues to defy Father Time.
LEBRON MF JAMES DUNK. 🔥🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 21, 2026
LeBron James added another dunk to his never-ending highlight reel on Tuesday night. Los Angeles was on the road in Denver. The Lakers won that game 115-107. Late in the fourth quarter, the Lakers had a 108-102 lead. The Nuggets doubled-teamed Luka Doncic, who quickly passed the ball to Rui Hachimura. LeBron James saw Denver’s defense was out of posistion and he sprinted toward the basket.
Rui Hachimura delivered an easy pass to the cutting LeBron James, who threw down a signature one-handed jam. James continues to turn back the clock on a nightly basis with his high-flying dunks. With a win vs. Denver on Tuesday, the Lakers are 26-16 this season. That is fifth in the Western Conference. How far can Luka Doncic and LeBron James carry the Lakers in 2025-26? Los Angeles’ next game is Thursday night vs. the Clippers.
