PHILADELPHIA -- Through five games with the Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron James is averaging 16.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. Not bad for a guy in his 24th season and is 41 years old.
James made the decision in the offseason to head to Philadelphia to sign with the Sixers after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. He could have stayed in LA and continue playing with his son, Lakers guard Bronny James, but the elder James decided it was time for something new.
Five games, he has sat two games thus far due to back-to-back sets, the future Hall of Famer is having a good time.
"I'm having a great time," James said. "Great time. I love what we're bringing to the table every night. I love our competitive spirit. Guys show up to work. Guys are
ready to work hard, and it's a fun group too. I think I've said it before. I'm not sure to be completely honest, but these guys are great to be around, and I'm more than happy that I made this decision."
James scored 20 points with nine rebounds and eight assists in Philadelphia's win over the New York Knicks on Friday. It was yet another impressive performance for a player who, by all logic, probably should be retired. That's a fantastic night for a lot of players. For James? That's a regular occurrence. One has to wonder if he reflects on the longevity of his phenomenal career.
"I don't think about it," James said. "Longevity, as far as—I didn't think I would still be playing in year 24. That's for sure. But I knew I would have a lasting career because I know how much I put into my body and my mind, training, things of that nature every single year, every single offseason."
It's just mind-boggling to see James continue to make an impact on games. He has accomplished everything a player possibly could in their career, but the 24-year man is still going to work and prepping each and every night in an effort to be the best he can possibly be on a nightly basis.
"I didn't want to have a short career," James finished. "That's for sure. I'm definitely not going to lie to you and say I knew it would be 24 years. That's for damn sure. But I knew I would try to get as much out of it as possible and control the controllables, which me, mentally and physically and spiritually, like preparing for every single season, and then seeing where it takes us."
The Sixers will play host to the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: LeBron James evaluates time with Sixers so far, reflects on longevity
