LeBron James reveals the secrets behind his ridiculously high level of play at 38 years old
LeBron James
© Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Father time is calling LeBron James, but the Los Angeles Lakers superstar refuses to answer as he continues to defy the odds in year 20.
The 18-time All-Star is somehow putting together yet another masterful individual season despite the mileage, averaging 29 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in 36 minutes per night. The astonishing part of all is despite logging over 53,000 regular season minutes, James’ scoring and rebounding outputs are above his career averages.
While LeBron may be a once-in-a-lifetime player, there are some personal secrets to his success that he’s shared recently.
The Lakers’ saving grace
Unfortunately for James, his supporting cast is below average this campaign, and the Lakers have struggled to a 16-21 record. The front office led by General Manager Rob Pelinka is largely to blame, failing to improve the roster in the summer after missing the playoffs last season.
Nevertheless, James has been a shining light in an otherwise dark period for the organization, by continuing to perform at an All-NBA level.
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“The King” has made history by putting together the longest streak of over 30+ point performances for a player over 37 years old, is averaging the highest points per game for a player in year 20, and recently joined NBA icon Michael Jordan as the only players in league history to have back-to-back 40+ points games at 35 years or older.
The recipe for success
Following his latest 43-point outburst against the Charlotte Hornets, James revealed postgame what is allowing him to play at this level after all these years.
"At 18 and 20, you're just doing it off just straight-up energy and just straight skill, you're just like, 'I'm just going out here and just play free and just jump all over the place. I know I'm more athletic than everybody, I know I'm faster than everybody, and whatever happens, let's go out and just play free.' Well at 38, for me, it's mental. It's how much rest I can get from day to day and get my optimal sleep and make sure I get the right food in me, getting my body right and things of that nature," LeBron said.
"I don't think at 18 you had to worry about getting eight or nine hours of sleep at night. You didn't have to worry about making sure that you were doing everything that you needed to do to be ready," he added.
He can’t stop now
It sounds obvious, but rest and diet seem to be the main factors in LeBron’s unmatched longevity outside of his God-given genes. That combination is important for general everyday life, however, it remains paramount for an athlete’s ability to perform at the highest level each night, and the four-time MVP has understood that throughout his career.
He’ll need to rely on everything he has left in the tank, as the Lakers continue to explore ways to save their season.
