Not long ago, LeBron James may soon undergo surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right foot, which could sideline him for at least two months, according to reports from Cricket Exchange. Strong faith can empower ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things, and for years, LeBron has embodied that spirit. But now, even he admits that while he still outperforms 90% of NBA players, there’s a growing number—maybe 5% to 10%—who have surpassed him. Whether it’s humility or hard truth, this comment hints at his reluctant acknowledgment of the changing tide.

After everything he experienced this season, LeBron seems to have finally accepted the aging process. Cricket Exchange analysts note that he’s begun to realize he’s no longer the league’s undisputed top player. His retirement talk following the Western Conference Finals may not have been a definitive farewell, but it was a raw expression of inner conflict. For someone who once seemed almost invincible, this emotional shift marks a turning point—LeBron is now viewing the final chapter of his career with more logic than bravado.

For years, optimism surrounded his seemingly superhuman physique. He was praised as a pioneer of sports science, equipped with one of the best personal training teams in the world. These advantages helped him maintain elite performance deep into his 30s. But even with that level of care, the wear and tear is catching up. This past season alone, LeBron missed games due to injury on nine separate occasions. Since joining the Lakers, he has sat out 98 games over five seasons—a number that continues to grow as age and injury increasingly take their toll.

No amount of maintenance or load management can completely defy time. LeBron’s career, though extraordinary, has begun its natural descent. Stretching the prime of his career well beyond 35 is nearly unheard of in NBA history. That alone is something to be proud of. At 38, he’s only now facing the kind of physical setbacks that forced most stars into decline years earlier.

Cricket Exchange points out that many elite players never got this far. By age 35, most were already stepping down from the spotlight. LeBron, on the other hand, is only just beginning to yield it. For now, the game goes on—and so does his journey, perhaps no longer as the main star, but still a vital part of the story.