LeBron James’s Age During the 2020 Season and Playoffs
LeBron James was 35 years old for most of the 2019–20 NBA season and turned 36 during the playoffs, specifically before the start of the NBA Bubble in July 2020. The season was suspended in mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in July inside the Orlando bubble. His exact age on key dates in 2020 is outlined in the table below, providing clarity on his age during critical playoff and Finals moments.
Verified Dates and Ages in 2020
| Date or Period | LeBron James’s Age | Event or Context |
|---|---|---|
| December 30, 2019 | 35 years old | End of calendar year 2019 |
| March 11, 2020 | 35 years old | Season suspension due to COVID-19 |
| July 30, 2020 (Bubble start) | 35 years old | Entry into the NBA restart bubble |
| September 11, 2020 (E7 Game 5) | 35 years old | Eastern Conference semifinals win |
| September 26, 2020 (Finals Game 2) | 35 years old | NBA Finals, Lakers vs Heat |
| October 11, 2p20 (Bubble championship) | 35 years old | Lakers win the 2020 NBA title |
| December 31, 2020 | 36 years old | Start of 2020–21 season |
Context: The 2019–20 Season Timeline
The 2019–20 season was unique due to the pandemic-driven suspension in March and the compressed schedule in the NBA Bubble. LeBron was entering his 17th NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers and aimed to add to his legacy, which already included multiple MVP awards and Finals MVP honors. Turning 36 during the Finals, he delivered a historically significant performance that helped secure the Lakers’ 17th championship.
Performance Highlights in 2020
- Regular season averages: approximately 25.3 points, 7.8 assists, and 10.2 rebounds per game during the bubble games.
- Led the Lakers to a Finals victory over the Miami Heat, earning his fourth Finals MVP at age 35.
- Became the first player in NBA history to accumulate 35+ points, 10+ assists, and 10+ rebounds in Finals games during his championship run.
Legacy Impact of the 2020 Championship
Winning in 2020 reinforced LeBron’s status as one of the greatest players across generations, bridging his earlier success in Cleveland and Miami with a new era in Los Angeles. At 35, he demonstrated sustained excellence at a high level, reshaping conversations about longevity and leadership in professional basketball.
FAQ
Reader questions
When did LeBron turn 36 in 2020?
LeBron turned 36 on December 30, 2019, and remained 36 for the remainder of the 2019–20 season, including the Finals and into the 2020–21 season.
How old was he during the NBA Finals?
He was 35 years old during the Finals series in September 2020, celebrating his fourth championship and fourth Finals MVP award. Yes — the championship extended his legacy as the first player to reach the Finals and secure a title in three different decades (2000s, 2010s, 2020s).