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The Los Angeles Lakers play the Detroit Pistons tonight and while it remains to be seen if LeBron James plays, there will be a notable stat in play tonight regardless.
The Pistons head into the game with center Jalen Duren, who already appears to be living up to his No. 13 overall draft standing. The former Memphis STar is only 18 years old and is actually celebrating his 19th birthday today.
But it’s also worth noting that LeBron has now been playing in the NBA for longer than Duren has even been alive. LeBron’s career began on October 29, 2003. Duren was born 20 days later.
There aren’t many athletes whose professional careers last longer than the lives of some of their teammates and opponents. Tom Brady has played three years longer than LeBron and only recently started seeing players enter the league who were born after he joined the NFL.
LeBron’s been in the NBA longer than Jalen Duren has been alive…
They face off tonight in LA. Insane. pic.twitter.com/grJ7eLiBd9
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 18, 2022
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Chances are the number of players who are like Jalen Duren – born after LeBron’s NBA career began – will increase by a good number next year. And again in 2024.
There’s no telling when LeBron plans to retire even if he isn’t the dominating force that once won four MVP awards in five years.
What year will LeBron retire?