LeBron James was a force on the court once again in his 22nd season in the NBA in 2024-25. James made the All-NBA Second Team for his exploits this season, and it's incredible that he continues to play at a high level at this stage of his career. A lot of factors contribute to that, and he shed some light on his eating habits on a practice day on the Mind the Game podcast.
"I have either a green juice or some fruit or whatever the case may be, but I don't eat a full meal until I get back home after practice," James said. "My first meal is usually around 1:30, 2 o'clock."
Co-host Steve Nash asked if that was by design or if he didn't like eating before practice. James stated it was the former and also revealed he doesn't take any unnatural supplements.
"No Creatine, no," James stated. "Just natural, everyday vitamins, things of that nature... If I have anything after practice, I have like a fruit smoothie because I've burned so many calories, whatever. I have a fruit smoothie or some overnight oats."
That's an interesting approach, and it clearly works as evidenced by James' longevity. The 40-year-old averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024-25.
Before James, Vince Carter was the only player to have played a 22nd season in the NBA. He averaged 5.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game in the 2019-20 season and retired after it.
James, though, has gas left in the tank, and you wouldn't bet against him making an All-NBA team in 2026 as well. That'd be a crazy statement to make about almost anyone entering their 23rd season, but not him.
For the longest time, word was out there that James spent $1 million a year on his body. That was seen as a big reason why he was able to keep performing at a high level despite getting up there in age. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, though, James made it clear he does not spend that much on his body.
"Man, I don't know where the hell that s*** came from... Yeah, I don't know where that came from, but I mean, listen, I do take care of my body, but I have no idea where the amount of money came from."
"But I do invest in my body for sure, you know, trying to do a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Obviously a lot of soft tissue work, a lot of massages, a lot of hyperbaric chambers, ice tubs, ice baths. Whatever I can do to continue to play at this level, man, I'm going to continue to do what I'm playing at."
Even for a billionaire like James, spending that much money a year on his body is a bit much. Still, the 21-time All-Star does go to great lengths to ensure that he keeps shining every time he steps onto the court.
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