From 18 to 40 James Keeps Shaping History

LeBron James made history as the first player in NBA history to compete as both a teenager and past the age of 40, as the Los Angeles Lakers were defeated 122-110 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. James, who debuted in the NBA at 18 years old in 2003, turned 40 on December 30. He scored 23 points in the loss at the Crypto.com Arena, but 27 points from Jarrett Allen led Cleveland to its eighth consecutive win. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, James became the NBA's all-time leading scorer last year.

James has won four NBA Championships, been named Most Valuable Player four times, and is currently in his 22nd season in the league, a record he shares with the retired Vince Carter. The Cavaliers remain atop the Eastern Conference, while the Lakers are seventh in the Western Conference.

Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 30 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the Milwaukee Bucks' comeback victory over the Indiana Pacers.

The Bucks, trailing by 19 points late in the third quarter, staged a comeback to secure a 120-112 victory in Indianapolis.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, posting 40 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. This victory marked the Thunder’s 12th consecutive win, keeping them at the top of the Western Conference.

The Toronto Raptors suffered their 11th straight defeat, losing 125-71 to the Boston Celtics, where Jayson Tatum contributed 23 points and eight rebounds.

The San Antonio Spurs cruised to a 122-86 home win over the Los Angeles Clippers, powered by Victor Wembanyama's 27 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.

The Memphis Grizzlies secured a 117-112 win over the Phoenix Suns, who have now lost six of their last seven games. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Kevin Durant posted 29 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns.