LeBron James may be 40 years old, but his NBA production is showing no signs of slowing down — and he says his meticulous offseason and in-season training routine is a major reason why.
The Los Angeles Lakers star gave fans a detailed look at his preparation habits on Tuesday’s episode of Mind the Game: Season 2, where he spoke with Steve Nash about how he stays in optimal shape to compete at a high level at this stage of his career.
“I’m trying to maximize, how could I be in optimal shape and game-ready for the next day,” James said. “I’m always thinking about the next day.”
LeBron James Utilizes Year-Round Approach
James said his routine begins in the summer with five training days a week, using Saturdays for recovery and Sundays for mental and physical preparation. He emphasized that his most intense sessions come on Mondays, while Tuesdays focus more on catch-and-shoot drills and cardio.
James and Nash both noted how the emphasis in NBA training has shifted away from traditional strength workouts toward mobility and maintenance.
“I usually lift three days out of the week, where I’m in the weight room lifting, and then the other two days, I’m just doing the ball work, band work, mobility stuff,” James explained.
He begins ramping up intensity in August to prepare for preseason, but admitted there’s no real way to simulate game conditioning during the offseason.
“There’s no way to get in game shape in the offseason,” James said. “But what you can do is get in the best, optimal shape leading up to that.”
His benchmark for measuring fitness? How often he needs water breaks during a 45-minute workout. The fewer the breaks, the better his shape.
LeBron James Benefits from In-Season Precision
James doesn’t ease up once the season starts. On practice days, he arrives at the facility by 8:30 a.m. for a 45-minute lift ahead of an 11 a.m. session. He stays hydrated, sometimes eats a smoothie or oats after practice, and saves lunch for early afternoon.
Post-practice, James makes time for massage therapy, cold tub sessions, and leg compression therapy. At home, he often takes naps and uses a foot bath for additional recovery.
For game days, his routine varies depending on the schedule. Before an 8 p.m. ET tipoff, like the Lakers’ upcoming road game against the Thunder, James lifts and shoots 3–5 hours before the game. For back-to-backs — like Thursday’s game in Dallas — his focus shifts to recovery and light shooting.
“I have schedules dependent on how the games are flowing throughout the season,” he said.
James is currently the oldest player in the NBA and has appeared in 67 games this season while averaging 24.5 points, 8.4 assists and 7.9 rebounds in over 35 minutes per game.
Even with over two decades of NBA mileage, James’ preparation and discipline remain as relentless as ever — and it’s showing in his performance.
