LeBron James responds to critics who might question him at 41, in his 23rd season.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James played in his first back-to-back game of the season on Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks.
James played 33 minutes in the 141-116 victory, and stuffed the stat sheet with 31 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists.
After the game, Lebron was asked if he's bothered by those who might question him at 41-years-old and in his 23rd season.
"No, it's been like that for quite a while now," he said.
As LeBron spoke and gave his answer, in a potential moment of recognition and messaging, he put on a Muhammad Ali shirt.
LeBron continued, "I just hope once I'm done that I've made an impact for people that have followed my career and watched me, my fans that have been locked down with me for over 23 years since I started this journey as a high school freshman. That's all that matters, my crew that's been with me. Everything else doesn't matter."
Bouncing Back
The night prior against the Sacramento Kings, James had a rough night in 33 minutes, finishing with just 22 points on 8-17 shooting, four rebounds, and three assists.
In a later question, LeBron was asked where the care comes from at this point in his career, given all he's accomplished.
LeBron opened by saying that he would never disrespect the basketball Gods or cheat the game. He continued by saying that he wants to set an example for his teammates and the younger generation who might just now be following his game, or those who have followed his game for years.
He noted that his son, Bronny James, is on the team, and he wants to set an example for him as well.
He ended his answer by quoting "December 4" by Jay-Z off "The Black Album."
"If you can't respect that, your whole perspective is whack. Maybe you'll love me when I fade to black."
LeBron James Honored In His 23rd Season
Ahead of the Lakers' game against the Kings, it was announced that LeBron would wear a patch on his jersey to celebrate his 23rd season in the league.
The patch features a silhouette of his pregame chalk toss and three colored stripes representing the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Lakers.
After every game, the patch will be removed from his jersey by the Lakers' equipment manager, dated, and then shipped to Topps' production facility, where it will be authenticated and later inserted into a trading card.
James has not made a future for himself. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year after picking up his player option to remain with the Lakers in the 2025 offseason.