LeBron James, 41, Maintains Peak Performance

The Lakers star's longtime trainer discusses how he's stayed at the top of his game for over two decades.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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LeBron James, now 41 years old, has maintained his peak performance for an unprecedented 23 years in the NBA. His longtime personal trainer and athletic performance coach, Mike Mancias, discusses the dedication and discipline that has allowed James to defy Father Time and remain one of the league's elite players.

Why it matters

LeBron James' longevity and sustained excellence are remarkable in a league where most players' primes last 6-10 years. His ability to adapt his game and training regimen over more than two decades provides valuable insights into how elite athletes can maximize their careers.

The details

After a Lakers game, James was seen putting on ice bath toe booties and dipping his feet into a prepared bucket. Mancias, James' longtime trainer, explained that James' commitment to recovery, nutrition, and training has been the key to his unprecedented longevity. "Obviously I didn't know it would be 23 years. I didn't know that, but I know I didn't want to have no six- or seven-year career. I can't become legendary in six or seven years," James said.

  • LeBron James has played in the NBA for 23 years.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who has played in the league for 23 years, defying Father Time to remain one of the league's elite players.

Mike Mancias

LeBron James' longtime personal trainer and athletic performance coach who has helped the NBA star maintain his peak performance over his two-decade career.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously I didn't know it would be 23 years. I didn't know that, but I know I didn't want to have no six- or seven-year career. I can't become legendary in six or seven years.”

— LeBron James

The takeaway

LeBron James' ability to adapt his training, recovery, and nutrition regimen over more than two decades in the NBA provides a blueprint for how elite athletes can maximize their careers and cement their legacies. His sustained excellence is a testament to his unparalleled dedication and discipline.