DeMar DeRozan and Paul George marvel at LeBron's evolution - "This time around, he's trusting and using so much of his IQ to dictate the game and win a game"

20 years in, LeBron James keeps on plowing through.

It may be hard to believe, but LeBron James has been in the league for 20 years. However, despite the many battles won and lost, and the mileage his body has endured in two decades battling against the best basketball players in the entire world, the King is still going strong even today.

Now, stars like DeMar DeRozan and Paul George marvel at the evolution of LeBron's career. He has adapted to the game in a way that few players have been able to do before him, continuing to dominate even as he manages his minutes.

IQ sets him apart

Although LeBron came into the NBA with a rare combination of physique and athleticism, it has always been his IQ that set him apart from his peers. Whether it was his unique ability to process plays—both his team's and the opponent's—or just feeling the game's ebbs and flows, LeBron has been a "one of one" when it came to hoops intelligence.

"One, his IQ is always what's set him apart from everything," DeRozan said. "You know, the way he reads the game, dictates the game, controls the game, and that doesn't necessarily have to be with scoring."

Still effective as ever

Father Time is undefeated, as they say, and it's fair to assume LeBron's athleticism—particularly his explosiveness—has peaked during the mid-2000s. However, while LeBron might not be able to jump out of the gym like he used to, his intelligence has enabled him to remain incredibly effective.

"I think this Bron is being more of the IQ for everybody than before because, like you said, the Miami Bron, that motherf**er was incredible. Same as Cleveland. But at any given moment, he could turn it on and get you 45 points and get a win or go out there and get you a 40-point triple-double and get you a win."