'TBD...I'm 41!': LeBron James' Hilarious Response To Whether He'll Play Back-to-Back Games

Last Updated:January 07, 2026, 15:41 IST

LeBron, now 41, led the Lakers to a 111–103 win over the Pelicans with 30 points, but his game-to-game availability remains uncertain due to age and injuries.

LeBron James celebrating his 41st birthday with the Lakers (X)

LeBron James may be more grounded than he once was — a natural consequence of turning 41 on December 30. But when the moment calls for it, he can still flip the switch.

The Los Angeles Lakers star did exactly that on Tuesday night, pouring in 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists to lead LA to a 111–103 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, keeping the team undefeated in 2026.

What LeBron can still do on the court isn’t the question anymore. It’s how often his body will allow him to do it.

With the Lakers set to play again Wednesday night in a key Western Conference clash against the San Antonio Spurs, James’ availability is very much up in the air.

And he made that abundantly clear in his postgame remarks.

“I’m 41 years old," James said, laughing. “Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank it right now. What are we talking about? Look at my birth certificate: December 30, 1984, 4:39 p.m. That’s when I was born. When I came out, I slapped the doctor in the a**. Alright, I’m done."

Against New Orleans, James logged 33 minutes, finished +10, and completely controlled the game down the stretch. His importance has only grown with Austin Reaves sidelined by a grade 2 calf strain, forcing LeBron to shoulder more offensive responsibility alongside Luka Doncic.

Since Reaves went down, James has stepped up emphatically, scoring 31, 26, and 30 points in his last three outings.

Despite missing 14 games earlier this season due to sciatica, LeBron has looked strong since returning, averaging 21.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. The slight dip in numbers reflects a conscious shift toward facilitating and empowering Doncic, not a decline.

Still, age is undefeated.

Last season ended with a groin injury. This season began with nerve issues. At 41, even greatness requires caution.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers are now taking a game-by-game approach with James, especially in back-to-back situations.

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