In a season that ultimately became somewhat defined by swaps between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James used January 7, 2025’s showdown to offer a through-the-air exchange that could only be described as unpleasant. Hardly a week removed from suggesting that he could play at a high level for “another five-to-seven years,” Lake Show’s 40-year-old marvel tests both time and gravity once more, first disconnecting Dallas’ defense through a series of passes. As if deciding to merely handle matters himself after teammates’ attempts go futile, James — cutting through the floor’s middle like a pinball between the two bumpers — springs into an acrobatic, switch-hand throwdown, leaving teammates’ jaws agape for the umpteenth time. James’ early-game poster made for great eye candy on the highlight reel, but the Wild West’s reigning champions used a second-half runaway to leave the scoreboard as a sight for sore eyes for the purple-and-gold. Efficient and extraordinary nevertheless, James tallied 18 points (on 6-of-12 shooting), 10 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and a triple in 35 minutes. · Jan 8, 2025