The stories about LeBron James’ supernatural recovery have become a tale of its own. Dwyane Wade feels God gave him something extra. However, even with all the advantages, what it boils down to is his yearning to keep playing. During the 2022-23 season, James admitted to hearing “a pop” in his right foot following a valiant game against the Mavericks. Soon after, the Lakers announced he would miss three weeks of action. Behind the scenes though, it seemed like each day he grew closer to marking his return.

Davon Reed, who only spent a handful of months with the Purple and Gold witnessed it firsthand. The tendon injury James suffered needed surgery. However, on the advice of a renowned medical professional, the Akron Hammer opted against it. Instead, he dedicated himself to meticulous rehab that would allow him to return in time to prepare for the postseason.

“He’s got his own personal guy that’s his trainer and strength coach that’s with him every day 24/7. He just really moving like in a certain fashion” Reed recalled.

In the end, LeBron James who was to be evaluated in three weeks, marked his return after just a month. The back story though was that he hadn’t recovered fully. James decided to muster through the discomfort and suit up to get the required reps heading into the playoffs. That season, he would surge the Lakers to WCF where they lost against the Denver Nuggets.

Even though he only spent a few months witnessing James’ mythical work ethic, Reed appreciated what he learned in the process. “So that was dope and that was something I appreciate just really getting to see how he move, how he operates,” the 29-year-old told Jefe Island.

How mental prowess helps LeBron James tackle the horrors of injuries

Nearing 40, the NBA allows players as seasoned as LeBron James to manage games and appropriately rest their bodies. However, to him, that’s far from the way to avoid injuries. Frankly, King James doesn’t take the impact of wear and tear on his body during preparations. “I don’t play the game thinking about injuries,” he said in 2021 after recovering from a groin injury to play against the Phoenix Suns in the playoffs.

Without question, his diligent work ethic and measures have had a drastic impact. During the offseason, he chooses to constantly keep moving. During the injury-riddled 2023 campaign, he admitted in a tweet to working three times harder to recover. It allows his body to endure the intense rehabs and appropriate treatments.

But the bigger picture goes beyond the physical work he puts in.

“Mentally you lose it quicker sometimes,” one of his great teammates Dwyane Wade said to Shannon Sharpe. Around James, he admits it’s almost forbidden to speak the language of ailments. Even when hurt, the 39-year-old doesn’t allow his mind to accept the fact. That positive mindset allows him to not only eliminate distractions but stay upbeat.

Positive affirmations as such can tend to make a dramatic difference. Michael Phelps, the most prolific Olympian has previously adopted a similar practice to keep his mental health in great shape. Another key is to stick around family according to the 23-time Olympic gold medalist. James is surrounded by such prosperity, not just through his loving family but also by his close-knit group of friends.

Through repetition of such practices for over 20 years, LeBron James has maintained high lofty standards to a point it’s become absurd. And now with the wave of joy with Bronny by his side, who knows how long the King can keep playing who feels he still has “a lot in the tank”.