Tyrese Maxey Says He and LeBron James Race to Arrive First at Off-Season Workouts
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Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey revealed that he and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James keep a friendly tally on who shows up earliest for summer training sessions.
During a March 25, 2026 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the two-time All-Star recalled repeatedly trying to beat the NBA’s all-time leading scorer to the gym. “We try to one-up each other by seeing who gets there first,” Maxey told the host, adding that the contest often ends with one player already soaked in sweat before the other walks through the door.
Maxey, represented by Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports Group, has spent several off-seasons working out alongside the 21-year veteran. He said the daily race is part of a broader effort to measure himself against the league’s elite and improve his own game.
The routine echoes stories about the late Kobe Bryant, whose predawn workouts became legendary among NBA peers, including James during the 2008 U.S. Olympic run.
LeBron Adjusting to Smaller Offensive Role
James, now sharing the floor with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, recently noted that he is comfortable taking fewer shots if it helps the Lakers win. “This is the role I need to play,” he told reporters when asked about his reduced attempts.
The Lakers star continues to maintain his rigorous training and recovery schedule, offering younger players like Maxey a firsthand example of how to sustain elite performance deep into a career.
Source: Lakers Nation
