Los Angeles: LeBron James will celebrate his 36th birthday today by playing the game that he loves, leading the Los Angeles Lakers in their game against the San Antonio Spurs.
James' birthday will cap off a remarkable year for him, which sees James going into his 18th season in the NBA, just weeks after winning his fourth championship ring when his Lakers beat the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in October.
When asked about what it means to play on his birthday, he said, "I've been very fortunate to play some games on my birthday. This will be another opportunity for me to play the game that I love and also just celebrate another year of existence. Coming from where I come from, a lot of people don't even make it past 21. For me to be rounding the base at 36 and playing the game that I love to play and being with a great team and a great organisation, with a great family, great friends and support system, it makes it a lot greater than the alternative. So just very blessed and very honoured. I'm happy to be, like I said, to be doing what I love to do."
James also took a very visible role in politics and in the fight against social injustice. That all led to him being named Time's Athlete of the Year and the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.