LeBron James ‘ready like a rookie’ despite entering 21st season

LeBron James isn’t preparing for the 2023-24 NBA season like someone entering the 21st year of his professional basketball career. “It’s shocking for a player who’s been playing for 20 years and he’s preparing for ’21 like a rookie. He’s been training at 6 a.m. This offseason is probably the same as any player. Work out in our building. Spend as much time in the weight room as any other player.” Just like any player. Any team LeBron has played for, his work has set the tone and it’s been pretty consistent. Seeing this here just adds to it. To me, let’s talk about it, let’s not talk about it. He’s definitely been that way this offseason,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka told reporters this week.

Still, the Lakers will be looking for ways to ease LeBron’s burden this season. He turns 39 in December and has missed 111 games over the past five seasons. However, load management has been a difficult task due to new rules regarding resting star players that took effect this season. Head coach Davon Hamm said LeBron’s load management is a “big picture” issue that will be adjusted “month by month” based on “different parts of the calendar.”

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LeBron talks tireless work ethic

Earlier this offseason, LeBron himself spoke about the mentality that has kept him going all these years. “Don’t say anything. You’re just tired in your heart. You tell yourself you’re tired, and you’re going to be tired. I’m not going to be tired,” LeBron said in a video filmed at the Lakers’ practice facility. Led by LeBron, the Lakers are looking to rebound after a mixed regular season and a humiliating conference finals sweep.

Additionally, there’s been a lot of speculation that this could be LeBron’s last year with the Lakers. His plans for a basketball life are expected to be minimally disrupted after his son Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest last month. This means Bronny’s plans to enter the 2024 NBA Draft remain on track for the time being. LeBron has made it clear he wants to play with Bronny for at least one season. However, since the Lakers’ chances of acquiring Bronny are slim, LeBron is likely to change teams next season. Still, at least for now, LeBron is clearly ready for Season 21.

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(pass)