Anthony Davis recently shared an unusual detail about LeBron James’ pregame routine that highlights the Lakers star’s unique habits. The revelation came as Davis reflected on his past partnership with James during their time with the Los Angeles Lakers and showcased the strong bond they maintain despite now playing on separate teams.
The Close Relationship Between LeBron James and Anthony Davis
LeBron James and Anthony Davis formed one of the NBA’s most formidable duos while playing together for the Lakers. Their combination of size, agility, and skill helped the team secure the NBA championship in 2020. Although their collaboration ended during the 2024-25 season following Davis’ trade to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, their friendship remains steadfast off the court.
Davis has acknowledged that they remain close friends, and James has expressed similar feelings. Even though the distance created by playing for different teams makes staying connected more challenging, both players continue to share mutual respect and camaraderie beyond basketball.
LeBron James’ Unusual Pregame Uniform Procedure
Despite no longer being teammates, Davis and James keep their relationship lively with playful exchanges. Davis recently took to Instagram to describe an odd ritual James follows when arriving at the arena before games. He said:
“One guy known as one of the greatest of all-time, if not the greatest. As soon as he gets to the arena, he takes his entire uniform, from the jersey to the shorts, the socks, the shoes, everything, and lays it on the floor. And no one can touch it. It became a thing where you can’t even walk over it. You have to walk around it.” —Anthony Davis, NBA Player
Davis deliberately avoided naming James directly, highlighting the peculiarity of the ritual without diminishing the star’s stature. This habit involves James placing every piece of his game uniform neatly on the floor upon arrival, with a clear unspoken rule that no one may disturb it. Teammates must walk around the laid-out gear, respecting the space as part of James’ preparation.
While LeBron has discussed his pregame routines before, his comments typically focus on the physical preparation involved, including stretching, mobility exercises, and recovery techniques. He has not elaborated much on the uniform laying ritual, which adds an interesting layer to his well-documented preparation.
This pregame quirk may seem out of the ordinary, but rituals like this are not uncommon among top athletes who depend on routines to focus and perform at their best. James’ continued elite performance despite being one of the oldest players in the league suggests that these practices contribute to his success.
LeBron’s Humor About Anthony Davis’ Trade
LeBron James has also shown a playful side regarding his former teammate’s trade. When asked about his role as a big man following Davis’ departure, James made a lighthearted comment about the Lakers’ decision to trade Davis after he requested another center. He chose to stay silent on how he felt about playing a more traditional big role instead, using humor to downplay the situation.
Looking Ahead to Future Matchups
As the NBA season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate future games between the Lakers and the Mavericks, where James and Davis will face each other as opponents. Their ongoing friendship coupled with competitive spirit promises memorable moments when they meet on the court again. LeBron James’ unique routines and Anthony Davis’ candid revelations offer an intriguing glimpse into their personalities beyond their athletic achievements.