Jason Kidd Paid the Ultimate Compliment to LeBron James After Lakers Win vs. Mavericks

The Mavs coach couldn't believe LeBron James was still dominating the NBA in 2024.

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd issued glowing praise to Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James after the Lakers’ 127–110 win on Wednesday.

James finished the game with 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, getting plenty of help from D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis to clinch the victory over Dallas. Still, James’ efficient performance in his 21st season in the league had many fans—and one NBA coach—starstruck.

“It’s LeBron. You know, if you were a betting man, you would bet with him against Father Time,” Kidd said of James in the postgame media session. “Just the things that he’s done to date. Just doesn’t look like he gets tired, he understands the game at a high level, he’s shooting the three very well, and he just lets the game come to him.”

"If you were a betting man, you would bet with him against Father Time."

Jason Kidd praises LeBron James' longevity in the NBA 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/0BCTaRj8d4

— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2024

James had his own iconic quote about “Father Time” back when the Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns to advance to the NBA in-season tournament semifinals. The 19-time All-Star said in December, “I want to continue to have this battle with Father Time that for so long everybody said has been undefeated. Trying to give it one loss.”

At this rate, the 39-year-old James appears to be controlling his own fate in his odds-defying battle against the clock. He’s currently averaging 24.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game this season. After Wednesday's win over the Mavs, the Lakers have risen back to .500 and will host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.