Whether one thinks LeBron James is the greatest basketball player ever or not, the biggest thing he has going for him when it comes to his legacy and resume is longevity.
He has a dismal 4-6 record in the NBA Finals, but over the last few years, he has become the greatest late-30s player in league history. This past season, he became the oldest player to be named to an All-NBA team while making a record 20th All-Star team. Of course, he is the NBA’s all-time leading career scorer with 40,474 points, plus 8,162 more in the playoffs.
In terms of longevity and elite play at an advanced age, there’s only one all-time great in any sport James is still chasing — Tom Brady. Brady, who is considered by most to be the greatest quarterback and overall player in NFL history, won seven Super Bowl championships, including two when he was in his 40s.
The two titans of graceful aging had the chance to meet and greet each other at a recent party for Team USA at the Olympics.
LeBron James.
Tom Brady.
Two GOATs. One big party in France at the #ParisOlympics celebrating @usabasketball. đ€© pic.twitter.com/JiWIxz8xmz
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) August 5, 2024
This pic of LeBron with Tom Brady is pretty much double đ’d đŻ pic.twitter.com/lHzgUqIh3I
— Bron’s Best (@LBJsBest) August 6, 2024
James’ fellow Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis also got to spend a bit of time with Brady.
Never know who you’ll run into in Paris pic.twitter.com/HAJy0OaGDu
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 6, 2024
Team USA men’s basketball blew out Brazil on Tuesday in the quarterfinal round, setting up a matchup with Serbia in the semifinal round on Thursday. While James had to exit early after taking a blow to his forehead, he seemed to be OK afterward.