Colin Cowherd makes striking claim about LeBron James’ play since Lakers added Luka Doncic as it sparks reactions
Colin Cowherd recently made a fascinating comparison between LeBron James’ resurgence with the Los Angeles Lakers and Tom Brady’s legendary late-career revival with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both athletes, who have long been considered at the top of their respective sports, have faced increasing scrutiny regarding their age and ability to compete with younger stars. However, just as Brady silenced critics by winning a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers, LeBron James is using his latest stretch of dominant play to show that, at 40 years old, he’s still capable of outplaying even the brightest young stars in the NBA.
Since the Lakers made the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis, the team’s 2020 championship-winning partner, to the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron has been playing some of the best basketball of his career. Over the past 10 games, he’s averaged 28.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, fueling the Lakers’ five-game winning streak. Currently sitting as the No. 4 seed in the competitive Western Conference, the Lakers have benefited greatly from LeBron’s play.
For Cowherd, LeBron’s recent stretch of dominance is more than just a testament to his impact on the court. It serves as a clear mission: to prove that the 40-year-old still has plenty left in the tank and can still outshine the league’s younger stars. Cowherd didn’t hold back when expressing his admiration for LeBron’s performance. 
“I have watched LeBron in the last week outplay Ant Edwards, Luka, Jokic and Kyrie Irving,” Cowherd said. “He has been the best player in the NBA in the last week.”
For Cowherd, it’s not just LeBron’s scoring that stands out. His defense, which Cowherd described as looking “like he’s 27,” his energy, and his shooting have been remarkably better than players like Luka Dončić, who’s widely regarded as one of the league’s brightest stars. At 40, LeBron’s ability to maintain consistent energy and perform at a high level in every aspect of the game is something to behold.
This late-career resurgence immediately calls to mind Tom Brady’s late-career dominance in the NFL. In an era where quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes were being hailed as the future, Brady delivered on the biggest stages, proving that age was no barrier to success. When Brady beat Mahomes in the AFC Championship at Arrowhead Stadium, and later defeated him in the Super Bowl, it was a clear reminder to the NFL world: despite the whispers about his age, “It goes through me.” Brady’s victories were not just a statement of skill; they were a message to doubters that he was far from finished.
Similarly, LeBron’s play over the past few games feels like a reminder to the NBA: He’s not just a former superstar coasting through his final years. He’s still the player to beat. In the same vein as Brady, LeBron is showing that even as the NBA’s younger stars shine, he remains one of the league’s most powerful and impactful players.
**The “Face of the NBA” Debate**
The conversation around LeBron James often extends beyond his performance on the court, particularly regarding his legacy and role in the NBA. For years, LeBron was unequivocally seen as the face of the NBA. However, with his career in its twilight, the question of who will assume that mantle in the future is becoming more prevalent. Young stars like Luka Dončić, Anthony Edwards, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have all been mentioned in the conversation, and the debate is heating up as LeBron approaches the end of his career.
After the Lakers’ victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron addressed the topic of the “face of the NBA,” especially in light of Anthony Edwards’ comments where he expressed a lack of interest in the title. LeBron, always candid, empathized with Edwards, pointing out the challenges and pressure that come with such a label.
“He ain’t trying to deal with that s**t,” LeBron said, referring to Edwards’ reluctance to be labeled as the face of the league. “I mean, it’s unfortunate, but, like, why do you want to be the face of a league when all the all to put all the people that you know that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis s**t on everybody.”
LeBron’s remarks reflect the reality of being the NBA’s central figure, a role that comes with immense scrutiny and criticism, even when you’re one of the greatest to ever play the game. His candidness also shows a level of empathy toward the younger generation, who are still carving out their legacies in a league that’s eager to crown its next superstar.
**The Final Chapter**
As LeBron James continues his dominant stretch of play, it’s clear that he has no plans of fading quietly into the background. Whether or not he will ever officially pass the torch of the NBA’s face to a younger star remains to be seen, but his recent performances make one thing abundantly clear: LeBron James is still very much a force to be reckoned with.
Much like Tom Brady, LeBron’s career is defined by his ability to defy expectations, silence critics, and continue performing at an elite level, even when others doubt him. Whether he can lead the Lakers to another championship or not, one thing is for certain — at 40, LeBron James is still one of the most dominant players in the NBA, and the league’s young stars would be wise to remember that.
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