LOS ANGELES — During the Los Angeles Lakers’ Media Day on Sept. 29, 2025 at the UCLA Health Training Center, LeBron James detailed how he and the coaching staff will manage his minutes in training camp and the preseason as he prepares for his record-setting 23rd NBA campaign.
James, who will turn 41 during the 2025-26 season, becomes the first player ever to appear in 23 NBA seasons. Now expected to serve as the secondary scoring option behind Luka Doncic, the four-time champion said the priority is arriving at the postseason healthy rather than dominating the regular-season schedule.
Balancing Presence and Preservation
“It remains to be seen,” James told ESPN when asked how often he will practice in camp. “Obviously, I want to be out there as much as I can, but we know where I’m at… It’s Year 23 for me. I’ve got a lot of miles on my game. I’ve trained throughout the offseason, but just my presence is going to be important as well.”
James added that even when he is not participating fully, he intends to stay engaged with on-court schemes so he can “know what’s going on at all times.”
Recovering From First-Ever Knee Injury
The forward is coming off the first knee injury of his career, an MCL sprain that ended his 2024-25 season. He also acknowledged lingering foot soreness that has bothered him in recent years.
“That’s always the challenge: How can I get my body close to 100 percent?” he said. “I’m still ramping things back up. I’m not where I want to be, but I don’t want to be where I want to be right now in September.”
Contract Year Not a Distraction
This season marks the first time James will play on an expiring deal after exercising his player option for 2025-26. He emphasized that his contract status will not influence his approach or performance.
The Lakers hope lighter offensive duties and carefully planned rest will keep James fresh for a deep playoff run while he pursues a fifth NBA title in a historic 23rd season.
Source: Lakers Nation
