LeBron James offered a promising update on his recovery from a knee injury during the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast with co-host Steve Nash.
The Los Angeles Lakers forward, who turned 40 in December, said his knee has continued to improve, although he admitted that the rehab process has tested his patience.
“Like I said last episode, it’s been a hell of a lot better,” James said on the podcast, via Lakers Nation. “It’s getting better though… It’s getting better.”
James, who missed multiple games late in the 2024–25 season due to lower-body issues, noted that the most difficult part of the recovery process has been the lack of physical activity.
“That’s the most challenging thing,” he said. “Even though I can’t do much as far as like lower body stuff, I’m still like in the weight room, still getting in upper body.”
While he’s currently unable to resume full workouts, James said he has been riding a stationary bike to maintain circulation and flexibility in his knee.
He emphasized that staying idle is a challenge for him, especially during the offseason.
“I’m not a guy that likes to sit around. I have a lot of energy and I hate sitting around, so this has definitely been… almost two weeks after the season, they always tell you to take time off and I’m just not that guy. I’m going crazy right now, for sure,” James said.
The 21-time All-Star finished the season averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds while leading the Lakers to a 50–32 record and the third seed in the Western Conference.
Despite his production, Los Angeles was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
James passed multiple milestones during the 2024–25 campaign, including becoming the oldest player in league history to score 40+ points in a game and surpassing 50,000 career points across regular season and playoff games combined.
He also became the first player in NBA history to appear in a game alongside his son, Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers in June 2024.
While LeBron has not officially confirmed plans for his 23rd season, his recent comments suggest that recovery is trending in the right direction.
The Lakers are expected to make roster adjustments this offseason as they attempt to return to title contention with James nearing the final stage of his career.
