It’s Father Time vs. LeBron

There’s long been some friendly arguing among pro basketball fans about who is the greatest player ever.

Some say Michael Jordan. Some say Kareem Abdul Jabbar or even Wilt Chamberlain.

I’m not forgetting LeBron James, but he’s also in contention for another all-time honor: the oldest pro basketball player ever.

In recent conversation with the sporting press, “Big Game James” mused on being a 40-year-old hoopster and suggested that the best – or at least the creakiest – could be yet to come.

“To be honest, if I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level probably for about another — it’s weird that I might say this — but probably about another five to seven years, if I wanted to,” James said. “But I’m not going to do that.”

Oh, please don’t. While LeBron is still playing at that high level – averaging 23.5 points a game, along with eight rebounds and nine assists – it is the cruel algebra of b-ball that knees give out before desire does.

Playing much past 40 isn’t unheard of. Nat Hickey played until he was two days short of 46 years old, but that was from 1925 to 1948, finishing his career as a player-coach for the Providence Steamrollers (bring them back!).

The team finished 4-25 and Hickey was done, too.

We’ve all seen examples of stars who played beyond their peak. Babe Ruth hit .181 in his final season. Brett LeFavre in his 2010 season with the Minnesota Vikings threw 11 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions.

You’ve still got some fuel left, LeBron. But keep an eye on the gas gauge.