Los Angeles Lakers perennial All-Star LeBron James is defying his age in his NBA-record 23rd season. He’s so secure in his 41 years of age that he didn’t mind poking fun at himself while appearing on Jack Coyne’s “Track Star” series.
“Track Star” quizzes celebrities and strangers alike on music. James’ “Track Star” quiz took place on a golf course and began with “Empire State of Mind” by JAY-Z featuring Alicia Keys. James immediately recognized it, while Coyne admitted he started there because James is name-checked in the song (“If Jeezy’s payin’ LeBron, I’m payin’ Dwyane Wade”).
“I have been [mentioned in a lot of songs], I have been,” the four-time NBA champion said. “But I’ve been around for a long time. Me and, like, dinosaur fossils — kind of the same age.”
James correctly identified every song with ease — except for ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” which he’d never heard but said sounded “good as hell” and was “gonna be added to my playlist!”
James showed an impressive flow while rapping Eminem’s chorus on Dr. Dre’s “Forgot About Dre.” He took a trip down memory lane, recalling his oversized white suit from the 2003 NBA Draft, and reminisced about the baggy style he wore in high school when Nelly’s “Air Force Ones” were all the rage in 2002.
While James has achieved impenetrable G.O.A.T. status and is great at an almost frustrating amount of things, we mere mortals can take comfort in James’ very relatable singing voice, as he sang Whitney Houston’s “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay.”
“She’s the G.O.A.T.,” James said of the late Houston. “Her and Beyoncé.”
“Takes one to know one,” Coyne said.
“Facts,” James conceded.
James let it be known that he has the best taste of anyone on the Lakers. “There’s no passing the aux,” he said, with one exception. The only other Laker with permission is James’ 21-year-old son, Bronny, because “he come from my cloth.”
Whatever songs James selects as motivation clearly work. Last weekend, James passed Robert Parish to singularly hold the NBA’s all-time record for most regular-season games played. James, also the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is averaging 21 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.9 rebounds for the 46-26 Lakers.
Watch James’ full “Track Star” appearance here.