LeBron James has been an NBA player for quite some time. The forward, who is now 38 years old and entering his 21st NBA season, is going for his fifth NBA title overall and second with the Lakers. James became aware of how old he is in comparison to his younger teammates and NBA stars after speaking with teammate Anthony Davis.

During the Lakers preseason contests in Las Vegas, James said, “I’ve been here for quite a long time playing ball probably since ’05.” LeBron also asked Davis, “Where were you in ’05? Were you like the 3rd grade or something?”

Anthony Davis said “Damn!” when he realized he was in 5th or 6th grade when LeBron James was playing Year 2 in the NBA.

James’ career began in 2003, the year he graduated from high school and joined the NBA. When Davis was in the fifth grade in 2005, he began playing games there. The odd thing about this is that Davis, who is 30 years old and is not among the league’s youngest players, was still in elementary school when James’ career was just getting started. The NBA wouldn’t draft Davis until 2012.

When contrasted to some of the NBA’s youngest players, the age gap is even more obvious. When James made his Las Vegas debut in 2005, a number of players would have been just toddlers. Gregory Jackson, a second-round pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023, wasn’t even conceived when James started playing in 2003.

Overall, LeBron James’ ability to play at such a high level for so many decades in the NBA is just a testimonial to his talent. James continues to make All-Star teams years after his debut, guide his team to the postseason, and keep them in the playoff hunt.