LeBron James’ rise to NBA stardom has always stood apart from the norm. The Los Angeles Lakers legend never took the collegiate route. But he entered the league straight from high school as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
On the latest episode of his Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash, James peeled back the curtain on just how raw and instinctive his development really was. James revealed how he shaped his game not through structured training but through street-style competition.
“I didn’t have a basketball trainer until second, third, maybe fourth year in the NBA. Like, my basketball training was just being on the court. Let’s just go hoop. Yeah. Let’s go hoop. 100%. Five on five, or two on two, or three on three,” James said.
“I didn’t have a basketball trainer until my 2nd, 3rd or 4th year in the NBA. My basketball training was just being on the court. Let’s just go hoop.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 1, 2025
LeBron James says kids don’t need to grow up working with ‘basketball trainers’ 🤔
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“Basically, it’s one man for himself, and you could be guarded by all your friends. And if I score, I go to the free throw line, I shoot two free throws, and I get it back. And that’s how a lot of creation started with me, being able to dribble around three or four guys, going behind the bag, getting physical with your friends. So it definitely helped me out a lot,” he added.
Luka Doncic Touches On Playing Alongside LeBron James
Doncic joined LeBron James on the podcast on Sunday. Doncic shared what it’s been like to share the court with one of his idols. Doncic added that LeBron’s preparation and professionalism have made just as big of an impact on him as his performance.
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“You see, I’ve never played with a guy like this and just being traded to here to L.A., it was different. But, just to play with guys like him, it’s unbelievable. I could learn so many stuff, first of all off the court, all the things he does just to be ready for the game. And obviously, everybody knows what kind of player he is,” Luka said.
The Lakers experienced another second-round playoff exit this season. Hence, speculation looms about how many seasons fans will have left to watch LeBron in action. Whether it’s one or two more years, the effect he’s having on stars like Doncic ensures that his legacy will carry on long after he hangs up his sneakers.
Also Read: Will LeBron James Opt Into His $52.6 Million Player Option With The Lakers? Find Out
