LeBron James Practices Full-Contact, Defies Age Ahead of 21st Season with Lakers

LeBron James participated in full-contact, 5-on-5 practice Thursday with the South Bay Lakers, continuing to defy expectations as he approaches his 40th birthday in December. Coming off an elite 2023-24 season where he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists over 71 games, James remains a top-tier fantasy asset. Despite a history of late-career injuries, including a foot issue in 2022-23 that nearly required surgery and led to him missing significant time, he confirmed his return for a 21st season. The Los Angeles Lakers have maintained their core, hoping to manage his workload. James' career has been marked by consistent elite production, including becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer in 2023 and multiple championships, showcasing remarkable longevity and versatility across his stints with the Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers.