Four-time NBA champion LeBron James became the highest-paid player in NBA history in 2020 when he passed the unforgettable Kobe Bryant. His reign will not survive for long after he hangs up his sneake

James made his NBA debut as an 18-year-old rookie with the Cavaliers on Oct. 29, 2003, pouring in 25 points in a loss to the Sacramento Kings. Now, at 40 years old, James—and his former team—will once again be the answer to a sports trivia question for years to come should he take the court Tuesday night.

Sure, James' numbers are likely going to decline the deeper into his 40s he plays. But at least at his point of entry, he is far and away the greatest 40-year-old basketball player of all time. And so, with apologies to urkle91, James isn't just defying the typical NBA age curve, he's completely shattering it.