LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers recognized early in his basketball journey that long-term greatness would depend not only on talent but also on discipline and preparation.
Now 41 years old and still competing at a high level, James recently reflected on the mindset that shaped his career, speaking with Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times about the training habits and dietary discipline that helped sustain his longevity in the NBA.
“Obviously I didn’t know it would be 23 years. I didn’t know that, but I know I didn’t want to have no six- or seven-year career. I can’t become legendary in six or seven years,” he said.
“I always had a mission. When I knew I could play this game at a high level, like, going to Chicago and playing with MJ [Michael Jordan] and all those guys when I was a sophomore [in high school]. And then when I went up to Cleveland and played against the Cavs when I was a junior and I was like, ‘Oh … I belong. I belong.’ I knew I still had to learn and I still had to continue to get my body right, continue to learn the game and nuances. But I was playing against NBA guys for a long time and I was like, ‘If I get the opportunity to crack the league, if I get the opportunity to showcase what I’m able to do, the only thing that can stop me is if I don’t take care of my body. The only thing that can stop me from being the greatest or one of the greatest to ever play this game is if I do not take care of myself.’ I did take care of my body. That’s it.”
James has played 23 seasons for the Cavaliers, Lakers, and Heat. He has averaged 26.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 1,598 regular-season games. He was selected to play in 21 All-Star games.
He has won the Rookie of the Year award, 4 MVP awards, 4 Finals MVP awards and 4 NBA championships.
Los Angeles Notes: James, Doncic, Niederhauser, Dunn https://t.co/ZQW7QIMNm8 pic.twitter.com/nO4DpTMW4U
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