LeBron James is showcasing exceptional performance in the postseason, breaking numerous NBA records at an unprecedented age. His stellar play is attributed to various factors, including his motivation and legacy.
Key points
LeBron James is performing exceptionally in the postseason.
He has broken numerous NBA records.
His achievements include four MVP awards and four NBA championships.
LeBron is competing at an unprecedented age for an NBA player.
LeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers
What's been key to LeBron James' stellar play in postseason? Bronny
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has been playing spectacular basketball in unprecedented territory. We've never seen anyone be this good, for this long, especially at this age.
He's etched his name on countless of records in the NBA history books from all-time points scored, both regular season and postseason, All-Star games, most seasons played, you name it.
For someone who's done just about everything there is to do in the NBA from a four-time MVP, four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Finals MVP with three different teams ― you'd think there's nothing else he's playing for.
During an episode of his podcast Mind the Game, released on May 5, James revealed that he's motivated to continue playing due to his love of the sport, his ability to still inspire and play the game at a high level.
"I still love the process of getting up and putting my body through rigorous rehabs and training sessions and whatever the case may be to try and find the results," James said.
This postseason he's shown that there is one last motivating factor: LeBron James ... Junior.
Bronny James' presence on the team and playing meaningful postseason minutes has almost seemingly rejuvenated Poppa James.
"To be able to have Bronny in the locker room has definitely helped out a lot as well," James said on the podcast. "I have a job and a responsibility to show him what it means to be a professional. Yes, he's seen it from the outside looking in throughout the course of his life, but now, being in the locker room, being in film sessions, being on the plane, being in everything that surrounds how to be a professional, and the results that come with it. I have a responsibility in that. So those are a couple ways for me that's given me inspiration and given me motivation to still do this."
Q&A
What records has LeBron James broken in the NBA postseason?
LeBron James has broken records for all-time points scored in both regular season and postseason, among other achievements.
How old is LeBron James during this postseason?
LeBron James is competing at an advanced age for an NBA player, showcasing remarkable performance despite the years.
What motivates LeBron James to perform at such a high level?
LeBron is driven by his legacy and the desire to continue achieving greatness in the NBA.
How many NBA championships has LeBron James won?
LeBron James has won four NBA championships throughout his career.
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He added: "I hope it's paid off, you know, in a sense for Bronny, and in the sense of my teammates that, you know, they get to see, how I approach the game, and it comes way before the lights come on and the popcorn is popping and everyone is filled in their seats, and whatever the case may be."
Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James reacts while holding the Larry O'Brien trophy after defeating the Gold State Warriors to win the NBA Finals on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California.
Powered by an amazing effort from LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers completed the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, dethroning defending champion Golden State 93-89 to capture their first NBA title. The Cavaliers won the best-of-seven series 4-3 to claim the first league crown in their 46-season history and deliver the first major sports champion to Cleveland since the 1964 NFL Browns, ending the longest such title drought for any American city.
/ AFP / Beck Diefenbach (Photo credit should read BECK DIEFENBACH/AFP via Getty Images)
Forward LeBron James reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2012 at the American Airines Arena in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated the Knicks 106-94 to advance to the next round four games to one.
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 21: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Finals Championship trophy after they won 121-106 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Five of the 2012 NBA Finals on June 21, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LeBron James speaks to the media on an off day following Game Three of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2014 in Miami, Florida.
LeBron James reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 118-104.
LeBron James cries before the Men's Preliminary Round Group B match Spain vs China at the London 2012 Olympic Games , on July 29, 2012 in London.
LeBron James is injured against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
LeBron James argues a foul call with referee John Goble #10 during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.
LeBron James reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on Dec. 25, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
LeBron James looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.
LeBron James signals to teammates after making a three-point shot at the end of the 3rd quarter against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 121-98.
LeBron James reacts during a 117-108 Lakers win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025 in Los Angeles.
LeBron James shouts during a game against CSKA Moscow on October 12, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Miami heat won 96-85 over CSKA Moscow.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LeBron James reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
LeBron James sits during a training session in the leadup to the Cleveland Cavaliers exhibition match against the Orlando Magic in Shanghai in October 2007.
LeBron James at Intuit Dome on Jan. 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
LeBron James in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles.
LeBron James falls to the court after a foul during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
LeBron James reacts during warm up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
1 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
2 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James reacts while holding the Larry O'Brien trophy after defeating the Gold State Warriors to win the NBA Finals on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California.
Powered by an amazing effort from LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers completed the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, dethroning defending champion Golden State 93-89 to capture their first NBA title. The Cavaliers won the best-of-seven series 4-3 to claim the first league crown in their 46-season history and deliver the first major sports champion to Cleveland since the 1964 NFL Browns, ending the longest such title drought for any American city.
/ AFP / Beck Diefenbach (Photo credit should read BECK DIEFENBACH/AFP via Getty Images)
3 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
Forward LeBron James reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2012 at the American Airines Arena in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated the Knicks 106-94 to advance to the next round four games to one.
4 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 21: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Finals Championship trophy after they won 121-106 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Five of the 2012 NBA Finals on June 21, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
5 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James speaks to the media on an off day following Game Three of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2014 in Miami, Florida.
6 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 118-104.
7 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James cries before the Men's Preliminary Round Group B match Spain vs China at the London 2012 Olympic Games , on July 29, 2012 in London.
8 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James is injured against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
9 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James argues a foul call with referee John Goble #10 during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on Dec. 25, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.
12 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James signals to teammates after making a three-point shot at the end of the 3rd quarter against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 121-98.
13 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James reacts during a 117-108 Lakers win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025 in Los Angeles.
14 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James shouts during a game against CSKA Moscow on October 12, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Miami heat won 96-85 over CSKA Moscow.
15 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
16 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
17 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James sits during a training session in the leadup to the Cleveland Cavaliers exhibition match against the Orlando Magic in Shanghai in October 2007.
18 / 21
The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James at Intuit Dome on Jan. 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles.
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James falls to the court after a foul during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James reacts during warm up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
LeBron and Bronny James take over for Lakers vs. Rockets in Game 3
LeBron and Bronny James are the first father-son duo to play together in a playoff game. It was spectacular.
The James gang had their moment during Game 3 of the first round against the Houston Rockets. At one point, the two went on a father-son 10-0 run that included a Bronny 3-pointer, after a screen from dad.
"One of the things that I came into this season, obviously last year, challenging for everybody as he was learning his ways on being a professional, whatever case may be, his rookie year, but he's made so many strides in his second year," James said about his son. "It resulted in him, taking the moment, obviously, without AR, without Luka, you know, he was next man up. He was one of the guys that had to step up in his absence."
Plays later, on a fast break, young Simba was filling the lane, Pops saw him and threw up an alley-oop to which Bronny caught on one side, hung in the air and reversed in and finished a layup on the other side.
James described the moment during his podcast episode with Nash as something that he'd never forget.
"To share that moment in Game 3, I believe we scored 10 straight points between the two of us," he said. "I think we both had a three, and we both had a layup, whatever the case may be, I was able to throw them a lob, and we had that, that mini-run between the two of us. And that was just something that I would never, ever forget. Something that I've learned, obviously at my elder stage, and being 41 years old, to kind of like, appreciate the small wins in the moment."
He reminisced on the in-game moment as only a proud dad could.
"That was one of the moments where I kind of. I've always been locked in and that moment right there, throwing him to lob, seeing him make the three, we kind of going back and forth, I kind of blanked out for a little bit, and just like really, just accepted and relished in that moment. That's pretty cool for me as a dad, and then us (me and Bronny) as colleagues," James said.
It's a cool moment the entire James family, he added.
"I mentioned at one point, like my mom being at the game and her being able to watch her son and grandson in postseason game at the same time. My wife was there, his sister (Zhuri) was there. I think Bryce was back home from college, he was at a playoff (game). It was like, you can't even write that script in Hollywood better than what's going on. So just being super appreciative of it."
In the first round, James averaged 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 38.5 minutes as the Lakers defeated the Rockets, 4-2, to advance to the conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Bronny averaged two points, one assist in a little under seven minutes per game during the playoff series against Houston.
LeBron: Not taking it for granted
One thing's for sure, James doesn't take his 23-year career, nor what he's been able to do — especially in Los Angeles — for granted.
James was 33 years old when he first joined the Lakers in 2018. Eight years later, he's still doing it. Sometimes, even he can't believe it.
"Listen, I came to the Lakers in 2018 at 33 and there's no way, if someone is here, would you be playing in 2026 in the postseason? Just playing. I don't know if I would have been able to answer that question," James said. "Just playing and then, let alone saying, hey, now, but now you're the No. 1 -option on a playoff team, and you're helping them win a series, like you're the No. 1 option on that team. I just, I wouldn't have believed that."
He added: "I knew I still had a lot left in the tank when I came to this franchise in '18 but to say that, you know eight years later, at 41, I would be leading the team into the postseason and coming out with a series win, I wouldn't have guessed that, and I wouldn't have bet on that."
