NBA
LeBron James and the secrets of his eternal youth revealed
As the forward for Los Angeles Lakers turns 40, and continues in his 22nd NBA season, we look at the different treatments used to stay at the top.
Today, December 30, 2024, LeBron James celebrates his 40th birthday, marking an extraordinary milestone as he competes in his 22nd NBA season – a feat previously achieved only by Vince Carter. What sets LeBron apart is not just his longevity, but his ability to maintain the same dominance on the court as he did a decade ago.
While most players succumb to age, the wear of countless battles, or a decline in ambition, LeBron continues to defy expectations. Averaging over 20 points per game for 22 consecutive seasons, he remains as physically imposing and driven as ever.
The legendary career of LeBron James
LeBron’s unparalleled career has made him the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and the player with the most minutes played in league history. He boasts four championships and four MVP awards, achievements that are no accident. Behind these accolades lies a genetically unique body, combined with an extensive and expensive regimen of recovery, treatment, and care – estimated to cost over $1 million annually.
“I’ve heard the madness about how much I spend and invest in my body, and it’s wild. I’ll never talk about it,” LeBron shared in the documentary The Starting Five. For him, the most important investment is “time”… and a few gadgets.”
The secret to LeBron’s longevity
LeBron’s recovery routine includes a variety of advanced techniques:
- Cryotherapy and hot/cold baths
- Red light therapy
- Hyperbaric chamber sessions
His favourite tool is the Normatec machine, a device that wraps around each leg and uses pressurized air to reduce pain, swelling, and fatigue, helping him prepare his legs for peak performance.
However, the most critical recovery tool comes at no cost: sleep.
“Sleep is non-negotiable,” says his wife, Savannah James. “It’s the best way to recover; it’s like recharging your phone. I try to sleep as much as I can because it’s the only way to get back to 100%.”
Through advanced methods and an unwavering commitment to recovery, James continues to set the standard as one of the greatest players of all time, defying the limits of age and redefining what’s possible in professional sports.
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