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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)

This season, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is playing his 23rd year. He is the longest-tenured player in NBA history. He has made yet another All-Star team, showing that he is still one of the best players in the league.

Yet, James is not one of the best 10 players in the league for the first time since his rookie season. His skills have diminished over the last couple of years, but James believes he can still be the best player on the floor any given night. His mentality has not changed.

After a game against the Mavericks, James gave a pretty bold claim about how good he still is at basketball at the age of 41.

GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles the ball. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers Forward LeBron James Gives Bold Claim on Greatness

After a 20-point win over Dallas, James claimed he can still turn it on whenever he wants.

“I’ve never been sorry at basketball. I’ve been good ever since I started playing it. I just try to keep it going, like I said, work on my game. I was out today early, working on my game. I give all the praise to the people before us, to the game gods, basketball gods, things of that nature. Any given night, if I need to turn it on, I can turn it on.”

James still believes that he can still be the best player on the court anytime he wants. He still has the mentality that he is the best player in the world when he wants to be. The issue is that he doesn’t try to be that player all of the time. At the age of 41, perhaps he can’t do that anymore.

LA has the 11th-best offense in the NBA. Part of that is because James is still a freight train barreling down the lane when he wants to be. James still believes he can be the best player on a title team, even though the Lakers have Luka Doncic on the roster now.

GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts on the court. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images)

Lakers Forward LeBron James is Running Out of Time to Win a Final Title

James’ NBA future is uncertain after this season. He has a player-option that he could exercise to return to the Lakers next season. He could also decide to finally retire. Based on these comments, James still feels like he’s one of the best players in the league when he is on.

That would seem to lead to James playing again next season. It’s unclear what team he will be playing for, but he has enjoyed his time in Los Angeles over the last few years. He is running out of time to win a fifth title, which he has been chasing since winning the title with the Lakers in the Bubble.

This is likely the best chance that James has left to win a title in Los Angeles. The Lakers need James, Doncic, and Austin Reaves to stay healthy for the rest of the season to make that dream come true.

Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano

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