The Lakers were home Sunday evening to face the Kings. Los Angeles won 125-101 and improved to 20-10 on the season. That is fifth in the Western Conference.
Lakers’ LeBron James finished the game with 24 points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals. After that win, James spoke to the media. The four-time NBA champion joked about his ongoing battle with father time. James told the media, “I would like to say that I’m kicking his ass on the back nine.” He turns 41 years old on Tuesday, December 30.
LeBron James continues to defy time with his impressive play in year 23
LeBron James:
“When I did the father of time commercial thing, I’m in a battle with him, and I would like to say that I’m kicking his ass on the back nine.” 🤣🤣
(via @ohnohedidnt24)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 29, 2025
Los Angeles has played 30 games in 2025-26. James has been available for 14 of those contests. For the first time in his professional career, LeBron missed opening night. James was dealing with sciatica in his right side and was forced to miss the first 14 games of the season. Since making his season debut on November 18, LeBron has only missed two games. He is averaging 20.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
James is doing that in a record-setting 23rd professional season. In his last game before turning 41, James had a solid performance for Los Angeles. He had 24 points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a win vs. the Kings. LeBron James had multiple highlight dunks on Sunday vs. Sacramento. He continues to deliver vintage moments in the later stages of his career.
LeBron James turns 41 today! 👑
What has been the best era of his career to watch? pic.twitter.com/ZXaQZLl7KC
— BetRivers Sportsbook (@BetRivers) December 30, 2025
After that win vs. the Kings, LeBron spoke to the media. James mentioned a commercial he did a few years back, where he references the battle between himself and Father Time. Despite being in year 23, James continues to defy the odds. No player has produced at James’ level this late in their career. He told the media, “I would like to say that I’m kicking his ass on the back nine.” James is confident in his abilities.
Austin Reaves is out for at least four weeks due to a calf strain. In that time, the Lakers will lean on LeBron James’ scoring output. Luka Doncic leads the team with 33.7 per game in 2025-26. However, Los Angeles needs more from James to remain competitive in the West. While Reaves misses time, James said he is willing to do “whatever’s needed” from the team.
