LeBron James is making important strides in his knee injury recovery as he prepares for what is expected to be his 23rd NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 39-year-old superstar shared a video of his first on-court workout just eight weeks after suffering a sprained MCL during the playoff elimination game in 2024-25.
Despite turning 40 last December, James completed a remarkable season, appearing in 70 games and earning another All-NBA selection. His current focus is regaining full health ahead of the Lakers’ training camp scheduled to begin in October. The injury itself typically demands several months of rehabilitation, but LeBron appears to be progressing as planned.
James faces a contract deadline on June 29, when he must decide whether to pick up his $52.6 million player option for the upcoming season or decline and negotiate a new deal likely containing a second-year player option. While the contract details remain unsettled, the positive update on his knee offers hope to Lakers fans and the NBA community alike.
LeBron Emphasizes Offseason’s Role in Enhancing Performance
Once fully recovered, LeBron James is set to use his offseason to refine his skills and prepare mentally and physically for the upcoming campaign. He recently highlighted the offseason’s significance in his ongoing development and how it differs from the team-focused environment of the regular season.
“When you’re during the season, obviously you’re around your guys. You guys are building towards one common goal and that’s to ultimately hoist the Lombardi Trophy or the Larry O’Brien Trophy, that is the goal,”
James explained.
“But the offseason is where you get the opportunity to actually do more like looking at yourself in the mirror and seeing ways that you can be better. Your teammates ain’t with you that much in the offseason. You will get with them at some points throughout the offseason and you guys are running routes or working on timing or you guys are in the gym working on things.”
—LeBron James
“But most of the time is obviously spent with family, but also for yourself. You have to design yourself to how am I going to be great and put yourself in the most simulated moments possible to when those moments come during the season, postseason, big games, three in four nights… That type of shit, you have to be able to prepare yourself in the offseason for those moments.”
—LeBron James
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Lakers and LeBron’s Legacy
LeBron’s return from injury is critical not only for his own career but for the Los Angeles Lakers’ prospects in the 2025 season. His ability to rehabilitate efficiently and maintain elite performance will be closely watched as the team aims to compete at a high level once more. The upcoming offseason will provide him with the opportunity to recalibrate, improve, and prepare for the physical demands of his 23rd professional season.
As he continues to share glimpses of his recovery journey, the anticipation grows for his official return, which could help sustain his position as one of the game’s greatest players. With the Lakers relying heavily on his leadership and talent, LeBron’s progress represents an important factor in their championship ambitions moving forward.