With LeBron James turning 41, Lakers reflect on his longevity
EL SEGUNDO — Having a 41-year-old player on his roster won’t be startling for Lakers coach JJ Redick.
Because as Redick sees it, even though Lakers star LeBron James didn’t officially turn 41 until Tuesday, Redick has referred to James as 41 since he had his own 41st birthday back in June.
Which makes Redick qualified to speak on how many former NBA players feels once they reach 41 years old.
“It is remarkable – I have trouble getting out of bed in the morning and got to get an injection on my knee,” Redick said after Monday afternoon’s practice. “My body is old and broken. It’s like that [maxim]: If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
Redick, who played in the NBA for 15 seasons, retired after the 2020-21 season, spending the first three years of his post-playing career as a broadcaster/podcaster before becoming the Lakers’ head coach in June 2024.
“And once I stopped using it, I lost it all,” Redick said. “I can still barely touch the rim though, which is nice.”
James, on the other hand, was pulling off reverse dunks and leading the Lakers to a much-needed victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night, two days before his 41st birthday.
The four-time league MVP is averaging 20.5 points (50.7% shooting), 6.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds going into Tuesday’s home game against the Detroit Pistons.
“I don’t remember, was it the LeBron 20 or 21, when I did the Father Time commercial thing? I’m in a battle with him,” James said. “And I would like to say that I’m kicking his ass on the back nine.”
Two-way contract guard Nick Smith Jr. also offers a perspective even Redick can’t.
Smith’s father, Nick Smith Sr., turned 41 in May. The elder Nick Smith played college basketball, finishing his playing career at Jacksonville State.
“[James] and my dad the same age, and my dad played hasn’t played in like 10 years,” the younger Smith said. “So the stuff he [does] is incredible. He’s not normal. He’s not normal.”
STATUS REPORT
The Lakers will have their backup big man available again against the Pistons, but will once again be without a starter.
Starting forward Rui Hachimura has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game because of right calf soreness.
Hachimura, who had 12 points, four rebounds and a pair of steals against the Kings, didn’t practice on Monday.
“We’re still waiting on a little more info,” Redick said Monday afternoon. “We don’t think it’s anything serious. He’s just a little banged up.”
Hachimura sat out of the Dec. 20 loss to the Clippers and the Dec. 23 loss to the Phoenix Suns because of right groin soreness.
The Lakers remain without guards Austin Reaves (left calf strain) and Gabe Vincent (lumbar back strain).
Reserve center Jaxson Hayes was taken off the injury report after sitting out of the last two games because of left ankle soreness.
PISTONS AT LAKERS
When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Crypto.com Arena
TV/Radio: NBC (Ch. 4)/Peacock, Spectrum SportsNet/710 AM