Donovan Mitchell shows ultimate respect to LeBron James after leading Cavaliers to win over Lakers

Donovan Mitchell has nothing but respect for LeBron James after the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the LA Lakers 122-110 on New Year's Eve. Mitchell praised James' longevity after the Lakers superstar dropped 23 points and seven assists in his first game as a 40-year-old.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Mitchell was in awe of James' ability to play for so long and continue to be one of the best players in the world. He also called wearing a Cavaliers jersey a full circle moment, as he was a fan of "The King" growing up.

"You respect his availability, his resilience," Mitchell said. "You look at his career, he's done so much, and there's so many you pick from, but the biggest thing to me is he's always there no matter what. He's 40 years old still doing this. It's the ultimate respect there; he's savant of the game, won at the highest level."

The Cavs star added:

"Growing up a fan, being in a Cavs uniform, it's full circle. I'm looking to replicate what he did. Bring a championship to Cleveland."

Donovan Mitchell finished the game with 26 points, four rebounds and four assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the LA Lakers. Jarrett Allen had a double-double of 27 points and 14 rebounds plus three blocks. Evan Mobley dropped 20 points and six rebounds, while Max Strus scored 15 points off the bench.

Meanwhile, LeBron James did his part for the Lakers with 23 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Austin Reaves had a near triple-double of 35 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. Anthony Davis put up 28 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks, but they weren't eventually enough for the Lakers.

With their latest win, the Cavs improved to 29-4 for the season, which is the best record in the NBA. The Lakers, meanwhile, are 18-14 and seventh in the Western Conference.

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LeBron James says he can still play for 5-7 years

LeBron James says he can still play for 5 to 7 years. (Photo: IMAGN)

One of the biggest attributes of LeBron James is his longevity and durability. It's one of the reasons why James has broken a lot of records and could go after another if he plays for at least five more seasons.

"The King" could become the oldest player to play in the league, a record currently held by Nat Hickey, who was 45 years, 363 days in his one and only game for the Providence Steamrollers in 1948.

Speaking to reporters on Monday on his 40th birthday, James admitted that he could play at a high level for five to seven years. However, he also added that he's unlikely to do it.

"If I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level probably for about another; it's weird that I might say this, but probably about another five to seven years, if I wanted to," James told reporters, according to CBS Sports. "But I'm not going to do that."

LeBron James hasn't decided about his future but is seemingly open to waiting for his second son Bryce James to make it to the NBA.