Longevity is the language LeBron James has spoken throughout his career. He hasn’t played 82 games in a season many times. But his durability and consistency are unmatched. Even in his 22 season, the Akron Hammer was among the best athletes for the Lakers. He’s been able to sustain that standard through dedication and unrelenting conditioning. However, at some point, the age factor starts to wear down the body.

Last season was probably the most vulnerable LeBron James has ever been. A regular clash of knees led to a torn meniscus. Furthermore, his body doesn’t recover like a superhuman anymore. Likewise, as his approaches retirement, there’s always curiosity about when it’s going to be. His 23 season could be his last, or he could play more. There’s going to be a retirement tour that seems certain.

But having played this long, nobody wants to see his silhouette be tarnished. The risk of having a long career is the audience seeing a visible decline. The greatest of the greats suffered that fate. So if there’s any advice, Vincent Goodwill and J.A. Adande had was to not let it get to that point.

“Bird didn’t really go out on his own terms. He had the bad back 92 that last year,” Vincent recalled. He also spoke about Magic Johnson spending the last moment of his career on the bench in a playoff loss to the Houston Rockets. Then there was also the case of Michael Jordan.

“We didn’t get a chance to see Michael age gracefully. We didn’t get a chance to see the decline. He left as the best player, and he came back as a 39-year-old with a bad finger and bad knees, which happens when you get old. For LeBron’s sake, like you said, you hope that it’s, like you said, more dignified,” Goodwill said on Good Word.

Injuries and natural deterioration are part of the aging process. That’s a risk LeBron James will continue to carry as long as he plays. But so far, there’s nothing fans would want to forget.

40 but still not done, LeBron James’ incomplete story

In the mention of the above legends, there was one thing common. They weren’t expected to carry a franchise to a championship in their twilight years. It was always about celebration. However, in James’ case, his evolution through time still makes him a player capable of influencing winning. Last season was a down year, but it wasn’t bad.

James, with an indecisive role with the Lakers, averaged 24.4 points per game on great efficiency. His motor has slowed down. But it’s still fast enough for him to hang out with the next generation. That’s because his game has constantly adapted to the changing times.

As possessions increase and the physical demands rise, LeBron James has transitioned into improving his shooting. Two of his four best shooting seasons have come in the last two years. Furthermore, his is cerebral ability is invaluable during the playoffs. Having gathered two decades of wisdom and experience, there’s hardly anything LeBron James has ever seen.

But even with these things, there’s a need to manage his workload. The Lakers or any other team can’t rely on him to be at his peak for an entire season. LeBron James has admitted that himself. “You wake up and you’re headed to the arena and you’re like it’s not going to be tonight,” he said on Mind The Game. So physically, his body is reaching points of exhaustion far sooner than before.

But to this day, his discipline hasn’t changed. LeBron James is still first to the arena and follows a strict routine before games. There’s no compromise as long as he is a professional. That could still lead to injuries. But going out at the top isn’t just about numbers. James keeps giving his all to the game. That’s the hallmark of his greatness.

That’s why even now, he stares at the ultimate. LeBron James still wants to win. As long as he has that fire burning, it’s hard to see a steep decline.