LeBron James has been an elite player for over two decades, and DeMar DeRozan learned it firsthand.
During an appearance on the ‘Run Your Race’ podcast, the Sacramento Kings forward discussed the four-time NBA champion. After the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Playoffs Round 1, many started questioning LeBron’s legacy.
However, DeRozan had some words of admiration for the Lakers superstar, who recently completed his 22nd NBA season at the age of 40.
“I told somebody this the other day like when they was playin’ in the series. They was talkin’ about Bron can’t get it done, Ant (Anthony Edwards) beatin’ ’em. I remember tellin’ a group of people, I said, ‘Most these mf** wouldn’t stand a chance vs. a 2016 Bron,” DeRozan said.
DeRozan doesn't think the Minnesota Timberwolves would have had a chance against 2016 Lebron James
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) May 28, 2025
"Most of these mf wouldn't stand a chance versus 2016 Bron. People forget, the mans been doing this 22 years"
[via @RunYourRaceTL ] pic.twitter.com/cPFB0I7BPH
DeRozan reflected on his past postseason experiences against James while he was with the Toronto Raptors. According to him, players in today’s NBA would struggle to compete with the version of James from 2016.
“People forget the man been doin’ this 22 years man. Somethin’ we never seen in no sport. To be able to dominate this long as he has. The standard that he’s been held to at a 40-year-old man. To still do that at that level, I’m pretty sure 99 percent of people in the league would not be doin’ none of that at 40 years of age, hoopin’ at that high of a level. It’s always easy to pick on greatness when you haven’t seen it to that level before,” he added.
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DeRozan also remarked on the longevity and consistency of James’s dominance over his career.
LeBron James Is Defying His Age With Performance
LeBron James is now the oldest active player in the league. Despite his age, James has been putting out numbers that many youngsters still long for.
He’s averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks during the 2024-25 regular season. Additionally, he improved to 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks in the 2025 playoffs.
“LeBroN JaMeS IsNt CLutCh” pic.twitter.com/K0jDOOm82v
— 𝟐𝟑 👑 (@BronWorld) May 29, 2025
However, the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Lakers in the first round of the postseason. LA lost in five games, and James suffered a controversial Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Game 5.
Throughout his career, James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat, and the Lakers. His career average stands at an impressive 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks. He became the leading scorer in NBA history in 2023 and has achieved numerous accolades. His tally includes being a four-time MVP, four-time NBA champion, and four-time Finals MVP.
Also Read: LeBron James Is Asking Everyone For Prayers
