LeBron James is in his 21st season, but he’s still capable of being the best player on the court.
On Friday night, James put on a basketball masterclass, scoring 32 points with 11 rebounds and six assists in a win over the Phoenix Suns. The 38-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star looked shaken up in the first quarter, limping along the baseline after a foul. But then he turned it on, pushing the Lakers to the comeback victory.
James’ dominance at his age is something to behold, but it’s not completely unprecedented. Here’s a short list of other athletes who defied Father Time.
NFL
Tom Brady
Perhaps the most salient recent example of an athlete who kept going long after most others would retire, Brady won four of his seven rings after turning 37. In his second-to-last season at 44 years old, he led the league in yards (5,316) and touchdowns (43). From his age-40 season to the end of his career, Brady threw for 193 touchdowns with a 65.6 completion percentage and won an MVP award.
Peyton Manning
Manning missed the entirety of the 2011 season after having neck surgery, and the Indianapolis Colts moved on from him after that year. After signing with the Denver Broncos in his…
