Thursday’s matchup between the Lakers and Suns was highly anticipated for several reasons. Both teams are among the favorites to win the NBA’s Western Conference. Also, it would be the first time superstars LeBron James and Kevin Durant faced each other on the court since Christmas 2018.

Durant downplayed the five-year gap between head-to-head matchups when talking to reporters before Thursday’s game. But he expressed admiration for the sustained run of excellence that James has enjoyed, saying the 21-year veteran is one of the top two basketball players of all time.

In Durant’s view, James’s status as one of the best players on the court every night is particularly impressive considering his age. “Especially at age 40,” Durant said.

TNT reporter Jared Greenberg subsequently responded, “You know he’s not 40 yet, right?”

“Sorry, Bron,” Durant said to a chorus of laughter.

No, James is 38 years old. He’ll turn 39 on Dec. 30. So age 40 is still about 14 months away. Yet James is close enough for Durant’s point to be true. Amazingly, James is still playing at a superstar level at an age when most players either transition to lesser roles or retire altogether. The Lakers’ plan to limit his minutes will help keep him from wearing down.

So don’t put 40 candles on LeBron’s birthday cake just yet. After all, the 35-year-old Durant might feel the same way about his age in a couple of years.