LeBron James Shows ‘A Different Kind of Greatness’ at 41 in Lakers’ Win Over Pelicans

After the win, LeBron sat at his locker and took a break when reporters asked him about playing the San Antonio Spurs the next night. He answered in a way that was typical for LeBron: honest, direct, and a little sarcastic. He said, "Every back-to-back for the rest of the season, it's TBD," which means "to be determined." He smiled and said, "I'm 41." I have the most minutes played in NBA history. Okay, put it in the bank right now. What are we talking about?

His voice made it clear that he was both proud and tired. LeBron isn't the same powerful freight train he used to be. Now he's 41. He missed the first 14 games of this season because of sciatica, which is a nerve problem in his lower back and leg that got worse over the summer. That kind of pain can stop even the strongest players from playing, making them think about how they handle the grind of an 82-game schedule. But when he's out there, like he was against New Orleans, he still looks like he could take over.

The game started quickly, with both teams scoring right away. LeBron didn't waste any time; he dunked the ball 19 seconds into the game. He kept the pace up by making deep threes and speeding things up. The Lakers were down at halftime and by nine points late in the third quarter because Trey Murphy III scored a career-high 41 points for the Pelicans. But LA changed things in the fourth quarter. LeBron hit two big three-pointers and Deandre Ayton did a great job inside, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. This helped them get off to an 18-4 start. Luka made it official with a couple of clutch threes that were off-balance as the shot clock ran out. It was a classic moment when two stars stood up when it really mattered.

After the win, Lakers head coach JJ Redick talked about LeBron in a way that was both positive and realistic. He said that LeBron plays like Greg Maddux did in the last few years of his baseball career. Maddux was a Hall of Fame pitcher, but he didn't always throw the ball very fast. He still won games by being smart, quick, and knowing exactly how much energy he had left each night. Redick said, "He doesn't have his best stuff every night, but he has enough to win." "I have to figure it out because I'm his catcher."

Redick said that every day they need to make changes based on the other team, the defensive coverages, and most importantly, how LeBron's body feels that day. There isn't a strict plan; the coach and athlete talk to each other all the time. Redick made it clear that he won't ask LeBron to score 30 points every time, but he also won't stop him from doing what he wants. "I know LeBron. I know how hard he works on this. It's just a matter of knowing what he has from one game to the next.

LeBron seems to be fine with the shift in duties. He said out loud that Luka was now the most important person on the team. "We have to change our game to fit him and figure it out," he said. "I don't care." No problem. That's a big deal for someone who has been in the spotlight for most of his career. It shows maturity to realize that at this point, winning is more important than your own numbers.

LeBron said after the game that his main goal was to improve. He said he wanted to sleep well, hoped his body would heal, and planned to see how he felt after some rest and a nap. He used to be able to play for more than 40 minutes without blinking, but those days are long gone. But he also stressed how important it was to be thankful for every chance to play. "I appreciate it more every night when I can suit it up," he said. "I've never taken being in the NBA for granted, but now that I'm 41 years old, I just appreciate the chance to play."

Redick wrapped it up perfectly with that line. LeBron doesn't go for the big dunks or 40-point games every night like he did when he played for the Miami Heat or the Cleveland Cavaliers. This one is smarter and more picky. It chooses its spots, helps out when needed, and still comes through when the game is on the line.

The Lakers are now 23-11 after this win, which puts them right in the middle of the fight for the Western Conference. They have won three games in a row to start 2026, one of which was against Memphis, where LeBron scored 31 points. It looks like the team is balanced because Luka is doing well as the main creator and LeBron is helping him out, along with good play from players like Ayton. But health is still a big question mark, especially since LeBron is being careful and there are games coming up back-to-back.

This season seems to show how things can change and how long they can last. LeBron has set records for most points (almost 42,000 in the regular season), most minutes, and four titles with three different teams. But here he is, still fighting at a high level and taking better care of his body than ever before. It's not as dominant as it was when he was at his best, but it's still amazing in its own way. The "King" is changing, and the Lakers are getting better because of it. Fans can expect to hear more talks like these about recovery and load management. LeBron will play when he feels good and rest when he needs to. It's not about winning individual awards anymore; it's about being the best player he can be and helping the team win. And judging by how they did on Tuesday, they still have a lot more to give. LeBron's journey this year shows that greatness doesn't always look the same in a league full of young stars. Sometimes it's raw athleticism, and other times it's wisdom, efficiency, and sheer will. LeBron James is currently in the latter situation, and it's going well. The NBA and the Lakers are both better off because he is still around.

LeBron James scores 30 in Lakers' 111-103 win over Pelicans as JJ Redick praises his 'different kind of greatness' at 41.

With Luka Dončić also dropping 30 points and 10 assists, the veteran duo powers LA to victory while managing LeBron's workload carefully.

Redick compares LeBron's current play to Greg Maddux's late-career smarts, emphasizing adaptation over raw power.