LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the most dedicated athletes to maintaining his physical condition, is once again ramping up his efforts ahead of the upcoming NBA season. As the Los Angeles Lakers’ training camp approaches in October, the 40-year-old superstar has been spotted attending early morning gym sessions, signaling his focus on contending for another championship with the team.
Last season, James played at a high level throughout 70 games during his 22nd campaign, earning Sixth Place in MVP voting and earning a spot on the Second Team All-NBA. Despite the usual offseason speculation around his potential retirement, this year he appears resolute in his commitment to competing at an elite level for the Lakers.
Offseason Uncertainty Over LeBron’s Future with Lakers Diminishes
At the start of the offseason, questions swirled about whether James would return to Los Angeles, even after exercising his player option for the 2025-26 season. There was speculation the Lakers might shift their focus to building around rising star Luka Doncic, potentially signaling a LeBron departure. However, the team’s addition of key players like Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia has helped quell concerns about James leaving the franchise.
LeBron, who concluded last season recovering from a significant knee injury, appears to be fully healthy now and engaged in rigorous training. His recent early-morning gym appearances suggest he is prepared to enter training camp in peak condition, aiming to help the Lakers mount a serious championship challenge.
Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart Also Emphasize Physical Readiness
James is not the only Lakers star dedicating time to physical transformation this offseason. Luka Doncic has made notable efforts to improve his conditioning and overall fitness. Along with James, these preparations indicate that the Lakers’ core stars are aligned in their goal to make a deep playoff run in the 2025-26 season, increasing the team’s competitiveness in a challenging Western Conference.
Marcus Smart Looks Forward to Playing Alongside LeBron James
New Lakers addition Marcus Smart, who spent the last decade competing against LeBron, expressed enthusiasm about now joining forces with the veteran star. Smart emphasized the rarity and privilege of playing alongside one of the game‘s all-time greats.
“I mean, it’s not every day you get to play against, let alone with, one of the greatest players to ever play this game,”
Smart shared.
“We all know his IQ in this game is ridiculous, and playing against him, you see it. To be able to see it on the other side, to witness it and benefit from it, instead of him taking me out with it on the defensive end. Just to be able to soak it all in like a sponge is an opportunity that I’m blessed to be able to have.”
—Marcus Smart, Lakers Guard
Implications for the Lakers’ Upcoming Season
With LeBron James returning focused and healthy, accompanied by a supportive and talented group of teammates including Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, and Jake LaRavia, the Lakers appear poised for a strong campaign. Their early offseason work signals intent to challenge for NBA glory, potentially revitalizing a roster eager to reestablish itself as a championship contender. Observers and fans alike will be closely watching how these preparations translate once training camp opens and the regular season gets underway.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does LeBron James sleep 12 hours?
A. Professional athletes use more energy than regular folks, so they usually sleep more than the suggested 8 hours. LeBron James typically gets about 12 hours of sleep each night. This is remarkable because athletes often travel for competitions, which can make it difficult to sleep well.