LeBron James, at 41, continues his NBA career while eight recent Rookie of the Year winners have already retired. He leads the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs against the Houston Rockets without star player Luka DonÄiÄ.
Key points
LeBron James is 41 years old.
James leads the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs.
Luka DonÄiÄ is injured and not playing.
Eight recent NBA Rookie of the Year winners have retired.
LeBron James won the Rookie of the Year Award in 2004.
Mentioned in this story
LeBron JamesLuka DonÄiÄ
Los Angeles LakersHouston Rockets
The 41-year-old basketball legend that is LeBron James will begin another march toward an NBA title as "King James" leads the Luca DonÄiÄ-less Los Angeles Lakers against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.
Because of life without Luca (hamstring), the spotlight will heavily be on James in 2026. James has long been used to that.
All the way back in 2004, the pressure immediately was on James and he won the NBA's Rookie of the Year Award. Since then, many other players have earned the honor, and in one sense, that shows LeBron's greatness.
Between 2004 and present day, eight players have been named the NBA's Rookie of the Year and have already finished their careers... yet James is still rolling on.
LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 30: Emeka Okafur #50 of the Charlotte Bobcats looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 30, 2005 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 30: Emeka Okafur #50 of the Charlotte Bobcats looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 30, 2005 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
Q&A
Which eight NBA Rookie of the Year winners have retired before LeBron James?
The eight NBA Rookie of the Year winners who have retired before LeBron James include players from 2004 to the present.
How old is LeBron James as he continues his NBA career?
LeBron James is currently 41 years old and still active in the NBA.
What team is LeBron James playing for in the playoffs?
LeBron James is playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs.
Why is Luka DonÄiÄ not playing in the playoffs?
Luka DonÄiÄ is not playing in the playoffs due to a hamstring injury.
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PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 21: Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives against the Denver Nuggets at the Rose Garden on December 21, 2007 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
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Michael Carter-Williams (2014)
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