Kobe Bryant-Era Laker Stunned By LeBron James' "Bron-gevity"

Aren't we all?

In his 21st NBA season, Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James remains stunningly good. The 38-year-old All-Star is averaging 25.3 points on an efficient slash line of .551/.405/.715, 7.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks a night. He's only missed two contests thus far, through the 15-10 Lakers' first 25.

Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson spoke with former Laker Matt Barnes, who served on the Kobe Bryant-Pau Gasol Lakers from 2010-12.

"I mean, his numbers have been AMAZING across the board since we’ve heard about him as a kid," Barnes said. "So, what he’s been able to do in the league for the last 21 years I don’t think we’ll ever see again; I’d like to call it ‘Bron-gevity’, you know? -- this guy is STILL a 26-28 points a game scorer at 38-39 years old and 21 years this guy is STILL amazing."

When asked if he believes James' all-time scoring record will ever be surpassed, Barnes was open-minded.

"I mean, records are meant to be broken and no one ever thought that Kareem’s record would be broken but, it’s going to take a lot of work," Barnes said. "You saw it took LeBron 20 years and a LOT of consistency to be able to do that so I would love to see in 10, 15 or 20 years down the road someone knock it off."

Barnes, a defensive specialist in his day who was drafted in the same class as James, enjoyed a lengthy pro career from 2003-17. That's right, he's been retired for six years, and his contemporary LeBron James is still one of the best players in the NBA. 

During his two regular seasons with the Lakers, the 6'7" swingman averaged 7.3 points on 45.9% shooting from the floor, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.6 blocks in 21.2 minutes. Barnes just missed out on LA's championship window. The club never advanced beyond the second round of the Western Conference playoffs during his tenure there.

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