From LeBron James to Steph Curry, Ranking the 7 Oldest Active NBA Players

Edwin Kiplagat

updated at October 16, 2023 at 1:26 PM

The 2023/24 NBA season is edging closer
There will be some veterans who will be looking to continue making their mark in the league
Sports Brief looks at some of the oldest players in the NBA

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The 2023/24 NBA season is upon us after a well-deserved break for players and fans. The Denver Nuggets will be looking to defend the title they won last season, while some teams and players will be looking to redeem themselves.

LeBron James enters next season as the oldest player in the NBA at 38 years old. He will turn 39 in December, and it is incredible that he is still going strong at his age.

Stephen Curry, leBron james, lakers, Warriors, Chris Paul, PJ Tucker, NBA — LeBron James is still the face of the NBA at 38. Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE.
Source: Getty Images

James is at the age where most NBA players are walking away from the game, and there are some generational talents approaching that age.

As these players advance in age, questions about their performances and whether they can still produce emerge. Heading into seasons 14, 15, or 21 of an 82-game season can wear on a player. Sports Brief ranks the 7 best oldest players heading into the 2023/24 season.

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Oldest players in NBA

7. Brook Lopez - Milwaukee Bucks - 35

Lopez re-signed with the Bucks following a phenomenal 2022/23 season where he averaged nearly 16 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, per the Athletic. The big man has transformed his game, which has allowed him to play deep into his 30s. He is one of the best shooting bigs in the league. He is also a defensive presence for the Bucks, and with the addition of Damian Lillard, the Bucks will be a serious contender.

6. Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors - 35

There are no words left to describe Stephen Curry. He is a 4x NBA champion and is headed to his 15th NBA season. Last campaign, he averaged 29.4 points per game and is considered one of the best players in the NBA today. He will team up with another veteran, Chris Paul, next season.

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5. Al Horford - Boston Celtics - 37

The Celtics big man was incredible last season in their run to the Eastern Conference finals. He is one of the few big men in the Celtics roster and will perhaps be needed to play heavy minutes after Robert Williams III was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.

4. Kyle Lowry - Miami Heat - 37

The 2019 NBA champion will be a free agent next season. He is heading into his 18th season, and injuries have taken a toll in the last few seasons. He played a major role in the Miami Heat's run to the NBA finals last season and will be expected to play a key role again in the 2023/24 campaign.

3. P.J Tucker - Philadelphia 76ers - 38

The Philadelphia 76ers forward is still going strong at 38. His defensive ability has helped him get roles in contending teams, and next season should be no different despite the issues his team has.

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2. Chris Paul - Golden State Warriors - 38

Paul has improved every team he's been on. Injuries have let him down the last few seasons, but he always produces. His trade to the Golden State Warriors shocked many NBA fans, but we've seen a glimpse of his partnership with Curry and Warriors fans should be excited.

1. LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers - 38

The Lakers veteran is the oldest player in the NBA, and he will be 39 in December. He averaged nearly 30 points last season, but injuries hampered him. He has not played more than 56 regular season games in the last three seasons. He scored 40 points in their Western Conference finals defeat to the Nuggets. That performance showed that he still has a lot left in the tank.