As he prepared for his 23rd season in the NBA, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James stuck to the basics this summer.
On the newest episode of his Mind the Game podcast with co-host Steve Nash, James said he indulged in his new passion for golf. Don’t worry, Lakers fans, as the four-time MVP devoted plenty of time to getting physically ready for another year on the hardwood.
“That’s what I kinda did,” he said starting at the 7:23 mark of the episode. “I spent a lot of time with the family, played a lot of golf, obviously worked on my body all the time, stayed in the weight rooms. Pilates, yoga, all that type of stuff. I did touch the court, obviously. I wanted to keep my rhythm, keep my handles, see the ball go through the rim.
“I just wanted to kind of save knowing how much of a gauntlet it’s gonna be this year. Another season of ups and downs and the course of an NBA season.”
Asked by Nash whether he altered his general training plan at all, James said it was “basically the same.”
“I’ve kind of found a rhythm over the last few years and what works for me and what doesn’t work for me,” he said. “I kinda got a good rhythm on what needs to be done.”
The 40-year-old added he feels less pressure to push himself too much right now when the Lakers can lean on Luka Dončić and offseason additions Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton.
Given LeBron’s incredible longevity, it’s hard to argue with his overall approach. Whereas most legends had either tailed off or retired altogether at this point in their careers, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 2024-25 en route to earning a spot on the All-NBA second team.
Given his age, load management will be even more important for James in order to ensure he’s peaking on the court at the right time.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported in September his representatives “met with the Lakers’ brass leading up to training camp with a directive for the team to be ‘overly cautious’ with the four-time champion in the early going to preserve him for a hopefully long playoff run.”
James logged 70-plus appearances in each of the last two years. Sixty-five to 70 games is probably the sweet spot in terms of giving him enough rest without hurting the Lakers’ quest to secure a top-four seed.