"He’s a freak of nature" - Adam Silver makes feelings known on 40-YO LeBron James still thriving in NBA

LeBron James continues to make history almost every single time he sets foot on an NBA court. The 21-year veteran turned 40 years old on Monday, yet he continues to post video game-like averages.

The fact that people talk about him having a disappointing season despite averaging 23.5 points, on 49.6% shooting, along with 7.9 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game speaks volumes about the high standards they've set for him.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver showered him with praise on his birthday and called him a "freak of nature."

“In some ways he’s a freak of nature,” Silver said, via the Associated Press. “I’ve been around a lot of great players and he’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve been around. I mean, he doesn’t take a day off. He seems to not take an afternoon off. He’s always working on some part of his body. You meet with him and he’s always soaking something or eating something or has some contraption attached to him.”

Silver also highlighted James' importance in keeping the league relevant.

“Fans pay attention every time he steps on the court because they’re watching one of the greatest ever and still playing an incredibly high level, despite turning 40 this month,” Silver said. “I marvel at him.”

Dr. J doesn't think LeBron James will retire this year

The Lakers star has hinted at retirement multiple times over the past couple of seasons. However, Julius Erving doesn't see that happening any time soon and he thinks James will continue playing.

"There's a guy named LeBron out there; he don't look like he going anywhere," Erving said on Tuesday, via the 'Come and Talk 2 me' podcast. "He is (unbelievable), man. I just think in terms of the ways in which guys can preserve themselves these days because I've seen a lot of the machines and gadgetry and stuff like that. And, also the will, I mean, obviously you got to have a will to want to play, and you're very usually incentivized by the money."

James doesn't have anything else to prove at this point in his career. However, the LA Lakers are 18-13 and fifth in the Western Conference this season, and potentially winning another title will only add to his legacy.