Vince Carter Confirms LeBron James’ Lakers Future as He Offers Hope for 450 NBA Players

First, it was the father. Now, it’s the son. The James legacy isn’t slowing down, and the NBA wouldn’t have it any other way! After all, LeBron James has given the league two decades of greatness. He’s 40 now. Most players hang it up long before that. But not Bron. He’s built differently. Always has been.

Since 2003, he’s been rewriting the rules of longevity. But he’s not the first to push past 40. Another Hall of Famer cracked the code long ago. Maybe he knows the secret behind LeBron’s never-ending prime.

When Vince Carter left the NBA arena in 2020, he was 42. He recently joined Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective, where the HOF discussed how LeBron James can only break his record. What record? Of being the only player to exceed the forty-two mark Carter has left behind. Simply put, Carter confirms his belief that Bron would be around for a few more seasons in the league.

“I know he will shatter that record coming up for sure. Because I’m asked all the time ‘You think he’ll do it?’ Man! Like are you guys watching? This guy- he has taken care of his body,” Carter said.

LeBron James is undoubtedly breaking all the barriers with respect to his age. At 40, he’s averaging 23.7 points per game. The NBA veteran further noted that once you hit the 40s and get past them, thoughts like ‘I’m 40 and I’m old’ come to one’s mind.

But, not LeBron James (for sure). “We throw it around in interviews, but when we’re playing, it’s just like I’m still doing now. Your limitations are what you can and can’t do. But at the same time, LeBron is still taking off, challenging people at the rim. I wasn’t afraid, I just didn’t do it often,” Vince Carter added.

There is no denying that the ‘Chosen One’ and his work ethics are something worth learning from. The discipline he’s maintained for the last 22 years in the league is insane. He is an inspiration for the 450-something NBA players, rookies, sophomores, and veterans combined. The Lakers superstar’s presence in the league is nothing but a beacon of hope for the young guns willing to aim for longevity.

LeBron James is the other name of hope for the active players in the league

There ain’t no secrets when it comes to LeBron James being a fan of the young talents that walk into the NBA. He knows what it takes to reach the pinnacle of basketball. Besides, he is the icon every player looks up to. Even Stephen Curry was in awe at his debut game back in 2009. He was standing before the mighty ‘Akron Hammer,’ after all. So, how to keep going in the league like Bron?

Vince Carter has the answer.

For some who played the sport until the age of 42, the ex-Hawks star understands the importance of efforts. Thus he says: “For me, I just said alright I still love playing the game. So how do I continue to do that? How do I stay in this league longer? Well, I had to kind of continue to get my rest and continue to put more work in. Had to get there a little earlier and had to stay a little later. All this and work on other aspects.”

You have put in extra minutes at the gym, in conditioning, and recovery. “Go in early, leave at last!” Surely, Bron does the same and has been doing it since 2003 and before that.

Vince Carter added: “I’m not gonna have the ball in my hand like those two guys are still doing. So how can I still make my worth in the league? Well, I better be a damn good shooter. I need to make sure when I shoot the ball, it’s automatic.”

The modern-day NBA is all about sharpshooting. Gone are the days when the coaches would rebuke their players and call them lazy for shooting 3-points. This is the era of long-range hooping. So, it needs to come naturally to any hoopster, just the way it came to Carter, the way it comes to Curry or James.

LeBron James isn’t slowing down, and Vince Carter knows it. The King’s dedication, discipline, and love for the game keep him going strong at 40. He’s redefining what’s possible, just like Carter once did. Hard work, smart recovery, and a passion for the game—it’s the secret sauce. And Bron’s got it all.

Whether it’s soaring to the rim or mentoring young stars, he’s proving age is just a number. The NBA might change, but one thing’s for sure—LeBron’s not done yet. Not for at least a season or two!