NBA World Reacts to LeBron James’s Huge Birthday Performance

The King reminded fans that age is but a number with his masterclass on Friday night.

Few athletes have been able to outrun Father Time quite like LeBron James, who has proven time and time again that age is just a number. On his 38th birthday Friday, the Lakers superstar showed why he’s one of the greatest to ever pick up a basketball with a spectacular performance in Atlanta.

James finished the 130–121 win over Hawks with 47 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. He quickly brushed aside a 1-for-5 start to end the game 18-of-27 from the floor, while also leading the Lakers back from a 15-point deficit in the first half to capture much-needed victory. 

James said that before the game he’d predicted a big night to his teammates, revealing after the win that he’d told his peers he would give them a gift on his special day. That gift was a 47-point outburst, his highest scoring total of the season. 

“The dude is nothing short of phenomenal, amazing,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “But it’s something I expect. Like, it doesn’t blow me away. It’s just something I expect from him. It’s just like, ‘Damn! Carry on.’”

“To see that performance from him, you just don’t want to take greatness for granted like that,” center Thomas Bryant explained.

“Just good to be able to witness it,” Russell Westbrook added. 

Ham and James’s teammates weren’t the only ones in complete awe of the 38-year-old’s showcase on Friday. Fellow players, media members and more took to Twitter to bow down to the King after yet another unforgettable performance that will stand the test of time.

Masterful 47 I just watched, Lebron James. Masterful…GGz

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) December 31, 2022

LeBron getting the same 30 point triple doubles at 38 as he did at 18 is some crazy ish. Redefining Father Time 💪🏾

— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) December 31, 2022

Happy 38th birthday @KingJames.
That’s how you celebrate it!! Big time game and big time win!

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) December 31, 2022

Happy MF birthday @KingJames ! You musta Uber Eats that combination plate from Magic City? Because we know you ain’t go 😂 47 piece lemon pepper,10 and 9? That’s how you celebrate another year around the sun! Carry on…

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) December 31, 2022

Don’t take LeBron James for granted.

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) December 31, 2022

LeBron James put on a show for his birthday scoring 47 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists in the Lakers 130-121 victory over the Hawks!🔥🔥🔥

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 31, 2022

Let it be known @KingJames https://t.co/w8DbNaXCwR

— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) December 31, 2022

This must’ve been what it felt like watching Jordan up close. I’ve never seen anyone control a game like that. My favorite is still MJ all time, but I can’t argue with anyone who says LeBron…..Man O Man🏀🙏🏾🤯@Lakers vs @ATLHawks

— Ray Young (@rayfordyoung) December 31, 2022

CONGRATS, LEBRON, ON YOUR BEST GAME OF THE YEAR BY FAR. 47/10/9! ROCKY START, SENSATIONAL EXPLOSION. NO CAPELLA, SO YOU WERE THE BIGGEST GUY ON THE FLOOR AND DID YOU EVER TAKE ADVANTAGE. WHAT A FINISH. EVERYBODY FOLLOWED AND CONTRIBUTED. NO REASON TO "GIVE UP" ON THE SEASON, BRON

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 31, 2022

LORD HAVE MERCY! Lebron James went for 47 pts, 10 rebounds, 9 assists on his 38th Birthday. GO OFF THEN! @KingJames

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 31, 2022

The @Lakers @KingJames put another show on as he has done so often . The MAN is 38 today & gets better & better & is playing on a high elite level. Leads LA to road W. His energy / passion is so unique & it has never ever changed since his HS days . Just simply LOVES to hoop.

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) December 31, 2022

Cant believe Lebron didnt just get 1 more assist for the triple double lol.
Real talk though, these statlines are getting so insane. 50 and 60 point triple doubles 🤯
And Lebron, in year 20, hoopin like this?! Unreal

— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) December 31, 2022