LeBron James sets the gold standard for remaining a force in basketball, and Tony Hawk does the same in skateboarding. Even though Hawk has not actively competed in professional skateboarding since his full-time retirement in 1999, he remains actively involved in the sport and continues to appear in exhibition matches.
That's why "Birdman" couldn't help but gush when fans mention him in the same breath as James in terms of longevity.
"I'm old, right? I'm 57. I'm still skating professionally," said in an appearance with LBJ on the UNINTERRUPTED platform. "One of the highest compliments I received is, 'He's like Lebron level of longevity.' And I was like, yes!"
To be clear, Hawk stepped away from the grind of touring and regular events, but he still occasionally competed. He is not regularly competing due to his age, but he continues to strive to bring skateboarding to new heights, focusing more on technical and creative skating at his own pace.
The comparison makes sense beyond just longevity. LeBron, now in his 23rd NBA season, continues to perform at an elite level against athletes nearly half his age. Hawk, even after stepping away from full-time competition and approaching his senior years, still pushes the boundaries of what's possible on a skateboard.
Beyond all that, playing the sport they loved makes them feel like kids in a candy store every single time.
"I love to train still," James told Hawk, answering the question about the most fun thing the Los Angeles Lakers superstar could do at this stage of his career. "I love to go out and feel the basketball, get on the court, and watch the basketball float in the air and go through the net. Hear the ball bounce, hear the shoes screech in the floor. It still feels like the first time I picked up a ball."
Similarly, Hawk swore he is still heavily involved in skateboarding because he loves the process, trying new stuff, and the entire skateboard community.He claims money was never the motivation, and he still skates alone without an audience. The only scenario stopping Tony is if he won't be able to stand on his own two feet.
Of course, James wouldn't be able to play until he's 57, but what he said about the reason why he is still playing in Year 23 makes a lot of sense. If you still love what you're doing (and you're still good at it), why stop?
LBJ and Hawk prove that passion doesn't age. Their bodies may carry years of wear and tear, but their hearts treat every game and every session as if it were still the First Day. For them, sticking around isn't about proving a point, but the natural result of loving what they do.
That love makes training feel less like work and more like a daily ritual. Competing has now become a form of self-expression more than anything else.
Ultimately, what connects James and Hawk is that neither treats their craft as a burden. Training and competing remain a source of joy, not obligation. That mindset, more than genetics or skill, explains how they've endured at the top. They remind sports fans that loving the process sustains everything else, not just sheer talent.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
