The Los Angeles Lakers turned an ordinary practice session into a memorable celebration, honouring their superstar LeBron James on his 41st birthday. The event, held at the Crypto.com Arena, highlighted the deep camaraderie and respect within the squad for the NBA's veteran icon.
An Intimate Locker-Room Celebration
What started as a regular practice day quickly transformed into a festive surprise party orchestrated by the team. Head coach JJ Redick led the festivities, presenting a specially designed two-layer birthday cake. The dessert paid homage to James' legendary status, adorned with a golden crown and featuring his personal brand logo.
The atmosphere was filled with joy as rookie forward Adou Thiero grabbed a microphone to lead the team in singing "Happy Birthday to You." He was joined by fellow rookie Chris Mañon, their voices uniting the team in celebration. The moment was captured on video, showcasing laughter and playful energy, and later shared widely on the Lakers' official Instagram with the caption, “Squad celebrated the King’s birthday after practice.”
As the song concluded, teammates swarmed James for group hugs and cheers, causing the birthday boy to laugh and jokingly protest, "Get off." The scene felt less like a corporate event and more like a close-knit family gathering, offering a genuine glimpse into the team's chemistry.
Teammates Reflect on James' Lasting Legacy
The birthday surprise sparked reflections on LeBron James' incredible longevity and professionalism as he heads into his 23rd NBA season. Teammate Jaxson Hayes spoke to Olympics.com, attributing James' sustained excellence to his meticulous preparation.
"Definitely his preparation. I’ve never seen someone so prepared," Hayes stated. "He has his whole schedule lined up, he sticks to it every day. He’s the first one in the gym every day, and that’s just a testament to him and how great of a player he is." Hayes emphasized that James' work ethic sets a daily standard that motivates the entire roster.
Coach JJ Redick, born in the same year as James, offered a humorous and relatable contrast during a media session. "I have trouble getting out of bed in the morning and got to get an injection on my knee. My body is old and broken," Redick quipped, highlighting the exceptional nature of James' physical maintenance.
LeBron's Battle with "Father Time"
Just days before the celebration, LeBron James himself addressed the challenge of ageing in a post-practice interview with ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Referencing a famous Nike advertising campaign, James used a golf analogy to describe his rivalry with time.
"When I did the father of time commercial thing, I’m in a battle with him, and I would like to say that I’m kicking his ass on the back nine," James joked. This mindset of defiance and excellence, even at 41, cements his role as the emotional and competitive cornerstone of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The surprise birthday party, therefore, was more than just a cake and a song. It was a heartfelt tribute from a team that deeply values its leader, providing a joyful interlude during a demanding season and underscoring why LeBron James remains a pivotal force in the league.
