The legacy of LeBron James has been defined in recent years by his ability to fight off Father Time far more than any other superstar athlete in this modern era of sports. Yes, he has unfortunately suffered a number of lower body injuries that have caused him to miss extended periods of a couple of seasons but the production has stayed there.
James is well-aware that at this point in his career, he cannot do what he did in the 2018 playoffs where he just flipped a switch in the playoffs and put up some of the best individual performances we have ever seen. Now that he is older and has racked up more injuries, he has to trust in his teammates around him on the biggest stage.
This is exactly what paved the way for Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves to break out during the playoffs. James himself averaged 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists across three postseason rounds in 2023 but could not go the full mile when they ran into the Denver Nuggets.
Therefore, James' approach to the new year has changed a bit. He is modeling the same mentality he took when he first entered the league and even though he's about to play in his 21st professional season, The King revealed on his Instagram story that he's been partaking in 3 am workouts before training camp even starts.
Bron in the lab at 3 AM during off-season
Out here training like he's a rookie
(Via Bleacher Report)
We could be on the cusp of yet another historic season from James. He has all the motivation he needs and a deeper roster than he's had to start the season in years.
Let's see what number 23 has in store for us!
More must-reads: