After the Los Angeles Lakers’ defeat to the Golden State Warriors, Austin Reaves made a comment that quickly spread across the sports world. Speaking to reporters after the game, he said, “If I was LeBron James, I probably would’ve retired by now.” The line caught attention, but what many missed was the respect behind it. Reaves was not criticizing LeBron. He was expressing admiration for the relentless passion that keeps the 40-year-old superstar competing at the highest level.
The remark came after a game in which LeBron sat out for rest. Without their leader, the Lakers struggled to find rhythm, falling short against Golden State’s energy. Reaves used the moment to reflect on what makes LeBron different from anyone else he has played with. “He’s done everything there is to do in basketball,” Reaves said. “He’s won titles, broken records, and carried teams for two decades. But what stands out most is that he still wants it. He still wakes up every day ready to work.”
Reaves explained that his statement was made in admiration, not disbelief. For most players, staying motivated after twenty years of dominance would be almost impossible. LeBron’s ability to sustain that level of focus and excellence is what makes him special. “He could have stopped years ago and still gone down as one of the greatest ever,” Reaves continued. “But he loves the game too much. That’s what drives him. That’s what keeps him playing.”
Behind the humor in Reaves’s quote lies a deep appreciation for the mental and physical grind that comes with longevity. LeBron’s commitment to training, recovery, and preparation is legendary. His teammates often speak about how disciplined he is, how he manages his body and mindset to remain sharp against players much younger. “He’s always the first one in, the last one out,” Reaves said. “That’s the difference. He doesn’t just rely on talent. He builds on it every single day.”
LeBron’s presence has shaped not only the Lakers but also the mindset of the players around him. For Reaves, playing alongside someone of LeBron’s stature has been both a privilege and an education. “You learn from him every day,” he said. “He never stops studying, never stops trying to get better. That’s something every young player should take from him. It’s not about how much you’ve achieved. It’s about how much you still want to give.”
The Lakers have learned to adjust when LeBron is not on the court, but Reaves admitted it is never the same. “When he’s not playing, you feel it,” he said. “It’s not just his scoring or passing. It’s the leadership, the energy, the calm he brings. Without him, we all know we have to give more. We have to find ways to fill that space together.”
Reaves’s comments revealed something deeper than just respect for a teammate. They highlighted the awe younger players feel toward a man who has managed to stay hungry after two decades of success. Many athletes lose their motivation once they reach the top, but LeBron’s story is one of sustained purpose. Every year, he returns with the same determination to compete, to lead, and to inspire.
LeBron’s love for the game remains the foundation of his longevity. His ability to adapt his playing style, adjust his body, and maintain his passion separates him from nearly everyone else who has ever played. Even as his career stretches into uncharted territory, he continues to set new standards for professionalism and commitment.
Reaves summed it up best when he said, “If I were him, I’d be retired by now.” It was not a joke about age or fatigue. It was a statement of wonder. Because LeBron James has done what few ever could. He has stayed in love with the grind, with the work, with the game itself. And that is why, even after twenty years, he remains as compelling as ever.
In an era that constantly searches for the next big name, LeBron continues to prove that greatness is not about what you achieve, but how long you can keep chasing it. Reaves’s words, though simple, captured that truth perfectly. For most, the journey would have ended long ago. For LeBron, it is still being written.
