LeBron James, one of the most iconic and influential athletes of all time, marked a major milestone today as he celebrated his 40th birthday over the holidays. James spent his birthday surrounded by family in Los Angeles.

“It’s a surreal moment, honestly,” James said in an exclusive interview shortly after the festivities. “When you think about all the years of work, sacrifice, and commitment, it hits you differently when you reach a milestone like this. I’m grateful for all the experiences, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. But I’m also excited for what’s next.” 

While his 40th birthday marked a personal milestone, it also served as a reminder of LeBron’s profound legacy in the NBA. James has achieved almost every accolade imaginable throughout his career: four NBA championships, four MVPs, 19 All-Star selections, and countless other awards. As of this season, he is the league’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s longstanding record. He remains a dominant force in the NBA, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in his 22nd season, and has expressed his desire to continue playing as long as his body allows him to.