LeBron James Sacrificed Cookies and Wine to Start Lakers Season

The NBA superstar gave up his beloved treats to get his body in top shape after missing the first 14 games due to sciatica.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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LeBron James revealed that he gave up two of his favorite indulgences - chocolate chip cookies and wine - for the first two months of the Lakers' 2025 season as he recovered from a sciatica injury that caused him to miss the team's first 14 games. The 41-year-old said he initially implemented the ban on cookies and alcohol for November, but ended up continuing it through December as well, not having his "first drink and first piece of dessert until New Year's Day."

Why it matters

James' love for chocolate chip cookies is well-documented, with the NBA superstar even saying his cookie obsession caused some issues with former Heat president Pat Riley. Giving up such a beloved treat, along with wine, shows the level of sacrifice and dedication James was willing to make to get his body right and return to the court for the Lakers.

The details

After missing the Lakers' first 14 games due to sciatica, James said he needed to "sacrifice something" to get his body in top shape for his return. He ended up giving up two of his favorite indulgences - chocolate chip cookies and wine. James said he initially implemented the ban on cookies and alcohol for November, but ended up continuing it through December as well, not having his "first drink and first piece of dessert until New Year's Day." Despite the difficulty of giving up the treats, James said it was "good to give my body a break."

  • LeBron James missed the Lakers' first 14 games of the 2025 season due to sciatica.
  • James implemented the ban on cookies and wine for the month of November.
  • James continued the ban on cookies and wine through the month of December.
  • James had his "first drink and first piece of dessert until New Year's Day."

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is known for his love of chocolate chip cookies, which has even caused issues with former executives.

Steve Nash

The host of the "Mind the Game" podcast, where LeBron James revealed his cookie and wine sacrifice.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't playing obviously as the season started. So I needed to give up something. I gotta sacrifice something. And I actually did two things that I very love. And that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I completely took it out.”

— LeBron James, NBA Player (Mind the Game)

“Not playing, being a little stressed, I maybe wanted a glass here. A glass there. But it was good to give my body a break.”

— LeBron James, NBA Player (Mind the Game)

What’s next

After making his season debut on November 18, LeBron James went on to play in 36 games for the Lakers before the All-Star break, earning his 22nd consecutive All-Star selection.

The takeaway

LeBron James' willingness to give up his beloved chocolate chip cookies and wine for the first two months of the Lakers' season shows his dedication to getting his body right and returning to the court after missing the start of the year due to injury. The sacrifice paid off, as James made the All-Star team and played a key role for the Lakers down the stretch.