At 40, LeBron James Makes History By Breaking Michael Jordan’s MVP Record

LeBron James, at the age of 40, has made history by breaking a longstanding NBA record set by Michael Jordan. James became the oldest player ever to receive NBA MVP votes as he finished sixth in the 2024-2025 MVP race despite the Los Angeles Lakers missing the playoffs. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over 70 games in his 22nd NBA season, leading the Lakers to the third seed in the Western Conference.

This achievement is historic as it surpasses Michael Jordan’s record set 23 years ago when Jordan, at 39 years old and playing for the Washington Wizards, received MVP votes in the 2001-02 season. LeBron, being 13 months older than Jordan, now holds the unique distinction of being both the youngest and the oldest player to receive MVP votes in NBA history.

Why Is The Record Remarkable?

LeBron’s milestone is especially remarkable due to the intense competition and his age, which is considered advanced for professional basketball players. Despite not having his most dominant season, his impact on gameplay is undeniable.

In the 2025 playoffs, LeBron James continued to showcase his skills by averaging 25.4 points and 9.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game, although the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

LeBron James Vs. Michael Jordan

This record fuels the ongoing debate about whether LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan is regarding the greatest NBA player of all time. Fans are all over the internet comparing the records of these two legends.

One such fan took to their X account and said, “The stage was just too bright for LeBron”, while comparing their records.

Michael Jordan in his first NBA Finals:

31.2 ppg
11.4 apg
6.6 rpg
2.8 stl
55/50/85 splits
Won 4-1

LeBron James in his first NBA Finals:

22.0 ppg
6.8 apg
7.0 rpg
1.0 stl
35/20/69 splits
Lost 0-4

The stage was just too bright for LeBron pic.twitter.com/h3VEL8LJwT

— Olympic Bean (@olympicbean) June 4, 2023

The same fan posted another comparison at the age of 34 and wrote, “MJ = King of Longevity”

Michael Jordan vs LeBron James at age 34

MJ Reg Szn — LBJ Reg Szn —
82 GP 55 GP
28.7 PPG 27.4 PPG
5.8 RPG 8.5 RPG
3.5 APG 8.3 APG
5th MVP

MJ Playoffs — LBJ Playoffs —… pic.twitter.com/YVLUCyWmeh

— Olympic Bean (@olympicbean) August 29, 2023

Another fan wrote, “Michael Jordan was the ultimate Alpha. Lebron James always avoids physical confrontation.”

Michael Jordan was the ultimate Alpha.

Lebron James always avoids physical confrontation.

MJ would cut Lebron's heart out and drop 50 on him without mercy. https://t.co/wOKlhsnDJK pic.twitter.com/1nSMmMtUAH

— AirJordans23 (@AirJordans2323) April 22, 2023

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