40YO LeBron’s Viral Dunk Against Mavs Triggers Magic Johnson’s Response as NBA World Turns Heads in Awe

via Imago

Efficiency and longevity—no one embodies this better than LeBron James. But here’s another instance to re-establish the obvious. As most NBA fans would know, the Los Angeles Lakers star recently turned 40, and he’s presently tied with Vince Carter for most NBA seasons played.

And if you had any doubts if he’ll be able to surpass VC to reach the top spot, Bron is here with his answer. A play that not only holds promise for the future but has taken Magic Johnson by surprise.

Taking to his official account on X, Johnson wrote, “Wow! If you missed it you have to catch the highlight of LeBron’s left-handed dunk! It’s mind-blowing that a man 40 years old can still have that much hangtime!” 

If you’re not caught up, here’s what happened. With 8:06 left in the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks, Rui Hachimura missed a corner three. No big deal, though—Lakers guard Max Christie got the rebound near the baseline and spotted LeBron streaking up top. A perfect pass later, LeBron James was off to the races.

Wow! If you missed it you have to catch the highlight of LeBron’s left-handed dunk! It’s mind-blowing that a man 40 years old can still have that much hangtime! 🤯

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 8, 2025

Charging into the lane at full speed, the 4x NBA champ held the ball in his right hand, ready to take flight. Then came 7-foot-1 Dereck Lively, daring to contest him. LeBron’s response? Switching the ball to his left-hand mid-air for a thunderous windmill dunk.

The Lakers bench went wild, and TNT’s Kevin Harlan couldn’t contain his excitement either. Moments like this remind us why LeBron is a generational talent.

Now, at 40, LeBron James might not be dominating MVP talks anymore, but he’s still one of the most electrifying players to watch. And if you’re wondering how much longer he plans to keep this up, he’s got an answer for that too.

“To be honest, if I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level for another five to seven years. If I wanted to, but I’m not gonna do that.”

James’ secret, as revealed by him? A relentless commitment to his craft and an enduring love for the game. This, however, is not the only aspect behind his longevity that has been highlighted in the past.

A former Lakers star revealed how LeBron James managed to elongate his career

During an appearance on The LADE Show last year, former Lakers star Metta World Peace delved into what he believes has allowed LeBron James to sustain his extraordinary career.

Reflecting on the 4-time NBA champion’s journey, Metta emphasized that LeBron’s longevity is rooted in several factors, including his adaptability across different eras of basketball.

Metta explained that Bron entered the NBA in 2004, a time when basketball was more physically intense, with a tough, gritty style of play. Can you imagine navigating that while building a legendary career? Yet the 4x NBA champ did just that.

“You got to take everything into consideration. LeBron lasts from, I guess, three generations. He came in a tough spot, 2004. That was a tough era. Then it was getting a little bit, it was becoming more a little soft…” said Metta. The ex-NBA star believes the NBA’s shift toward less physical rules after 2010 worked in LeBron’s favor.

Still, Metta didn’t shy away from acknowledging the bigger picture. LeBron’s endurance across what he described as three generations of basketball isn’t just about rule changes. It’s also a testament to LeBron James’ dedication to his craft. So much so that it still leaves legends like Magic Johnson in awe of him.