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LeBron James Sends Strong Message During Kai Cenat's Stream

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jackson Stone | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 8:24 PM ET

LeBron James is currently gearing up for his 23rd NBA season overall and his eighth with the Los Angeles Lakers. James is back in the purple and gold after picking up his $52.6 million player option for the upcoming season and will also once again be teammates with Luka Doncic after the Slovenian star signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers.

James was sidelined from practice on Tuesday with a glute nerve irritation, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN, and later in the day, he stopped by popular streamer Kai Cenat's house to take part in a highly anticipated livestream.

During the event, James gathered everyone around for what turned into a highly motivational speech that seemed straight out of a "Rocky" movie.

"If you're somebody growing up without a mom, without a dad, without siblings, without a passion, without a goal, without life in general, it's not over for you," said James, per NBA Central on X. "...Everyone has a purpose. You just have to find that purpose and tap into that purpose. You're going to need somebody. Nobody can do it by themselves."

James, who is no stranger to criticism, also advised his listeners on how to respond to the doubters.

"Don't worry about the haters. They ain't [expletive]," said James. "Don't worry about the naysayers, because they ain't [expletive]. Whenever you're feeling a way about yourself, you look in the mirror and you say 'you are the only thing that matters.'"

LeBron’s motivational speech pic.twitter.com/Gn42neJeR2
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 30, 2025

The Lakers are sure to have plenty of haters and naysayers this year following their first-round playoff exit last year against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Los Angeles was limited in terms of flexibility this offseason, but did manage to sign Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton on the buyout market to help shore up their perimeter defense and frontcourt depth.

Los Angeles fans will get their first look at the squad on Oct. 21 when they host the Golden State Warriors.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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