The LA Lakers hosted the Portland Trail Blazers on New Year's Eve and won with a blowout victory, all thanks to their talisman LeBron James. The small forward had just celebrated his 37th birthday with family and featured for only 29 minutes. Despite his age, he has consistently shown he can still perform at the highest level.

He proved this yet again as he registered 43 points and 14 rebounds, all under 30 minutes of game time. LBJ also recorded four assists, two steals and blocks each with no turnovers. It was an MVP-caliber performance by all means.

ESPN writer Dave McMenamin has rekindled confidence in the Lakers. He stated that the franchise is still very much a contender if the performance of the 37-year old LeBron James on New Year's Eve is anything to go by. McMenamin said:

"If 2022 goes anything for the Los Angeles Lakers like LeBron James' first game since turning 37, L.A. could have big things in store."

The peak age for NBA players is estimated to be around 28 years of age. But it most certainly seems like LeBron James is the exception. It is expected that as a player grows older, his skills and quality recedes, the reverse is the case with the four-time NBA champion.

With his performance against the Trailer Blazers, LeBron James becomes the oldest player in NBA history to record 40+ points in under 30 minutes, since Larry Bird at age 35. He's also the oldest player to record at least 40 points and 14 rebounds in a single game.