LeBron James reveals the secret to his longevity: “At 18 and 20, you’re just doing it off straight-up energy and straight skill"
LA Lakers star forward LeBron James continues to put up elite performances even at the age of 38.
James has scored a combined 90 points over his last two games against the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets, with LA winning both games on the road. This has led many to question how he keeps performing at such a high level in his 20th season.
According to James, the secret to his longevity is simple. He takes great care of his body through sleep and exercise.
During a recent interview, James first explained how he used to rely on skill and athleticism to dominate the NBA.
“At 18 and 20, you’re just doing it off straight-up energy and straight skill,” James said.
He then contrasted that with the present day, where maintaining his health is as crucial as ever:
“But at 38 for me, it’s mental. How much rest I can get from day to day, get my optimal sleep, get the right food in me, treat my body right.”
LeBron compares his younger game to now: "At 18 and 20, you're just doing it off straight-up energy and straight skill. ... But at 38 for me, it's mental. How much rest I can get from day to day, get my optimal sleep, get the right food in me, treat my body right."
This season, LeBron James is averaging 29.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.0 steal per game on 51.0% shooting. His 29.0 PPG marks the fifth-highest scoring average of his 20-year career. It appears that James still might not be slowing down anytime soon despite turning 38 last week.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham on LeBron James’ impressive play at the age of 38
Following LeBron James’ second straight 40-point double-double on Monday night against the Hornets, Lakers coach Darvin Ham raved about James’ versatility.
“I just think he is taking his time and really looking at what the defense is trying to do to him,” Ham said.
“There were times where he had to be a willing passer and he was just that. If he was going to attack them downhill, making his 3-ball, getting out and running in transition.
“There was a variety of ways he is on the attack and again, they had a couple of possessions where they were trying to blitz him. He's finding the open man and making plays for other guys, and it forces the defense to play behind us.”
James finished with 43 points, 11 rebounds and six assists on 61.5% shooting as the LA Lakers pulled out a 121-115 victory in Charlotte.
He added after the game that he was just focused on getting another win to finish off the Lakers’ five-game road trip.
“We just had the mindset of wanting to close out this trip the right way,” James said.
With their victory over the Charlotte Hornets, the Lakers finished their road trip with a winning record of 3-2. They also improved to 16-21 and 12th in the Western Conference. LA’s next game will be on Wednesday at home against the 20-18 Miami Heat, who rank seventh in the Eastern Conference.
Also read: LeBron James puts the onus on himself to score in Anthony Davis' absence