Ahead of their matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle called Los Angeles Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James “a monstrosity of a player.”

James is in his 16th season in the NBA and still somehow the best player in the league. The four-time MVP has been to eight-straight NBA Finals and isn't showing any signs of slowing down, literally defying father time.

Entering Friday, LeBron James is averaging 28.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. The King is shooting 51.7 percent from the field, 36.8 percent from beyond the arc, and 71.5 percent from the free-throw line. The Lakers are 12-9 on the year.

Rick Carlisle and the Mavs have shocked a lot of people this season. Dallas is 10-9 and has the seventh best defense in the league, giving up only 108.5 points per game. Rookie phenom Luka Doncic is turning heads every game, second-year point guard Dennis Smith Jr. has taken the next step in his development, and center DeAndre Jordan is anchoring the defense.

The Mavs and Lakers played back on October 31st at Staples Center. The Lakers won that one by a final score of 114-113. James had 29 points, five rebounds, and six assists in that one, shooting 57.9 percent from the field.