LeBron James celebrated his 40th birthday with a reflective press conference after a Lakers practice, acknowledging the significance of reaching this milestone. Despite missing a game due to illness, James expressed pride in his ability to still perform at a high level, noting that he feels youthful despite the years in the league. As he prepares to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, he is set to become one of only 32 players to compete in the NBA at 40 years old.

James, who has had a remarkable career, is the second player to reach 22 seasons, a feat only matched by Vince Carter. He revealed that he has considered retirement more frequently but believes he could continue to play at a high level for another five to seven years if he chose to do so. This season, he is averaging impressive stats, demonstrating his ongoing impact on the court.

Having achieved his dream of playing alongside his son, Bronny James, James now looks toward his ultimate goal of winning a fifth championship. While uncertain about the Lakers' championship prospects, he remains optimistic about the team's potential for improvement. He expressed a desire to finish his career with the Lakers, emphasizing the strong bond he has with the organization.