LeBron James continues to make history by playing at 41-years-old in the NBA, and what makes it even more impressive is the level he maintains. However, one recurring issue that is also impacting the Los Angeles Lakers is the constant uncertainty surrounding his availability for games, which led James to explain what his day-to-day reality looked like.
James responded when asked about when he actually felt like he was 41 years old: “When I wake up. I tell my teammates all the time, I go to sleep available and I wake up doubtful. Every time I wake up, I go to bed. I am completely available for the game. And when I wake up. I’m f*****g doubtful every single time,” said James, per Bob Does Sports, via NBA Courtside on X.
It was an honest answer from James, who missed the opening stretch of the season due to injury but remained mostly healthy afterward, continuing to be a well-rounded offensive player, a threat in transition, and a strong communicator on defense, even if he was no longer the same on-ball stopper from his prime. However, it remained important for him to stay healthy for what was ahead.
Waking up doubtful but maintaining a high level
James may not have felt great every time he woke up, but he still performed at a high level once he stepped on the court. In 55 games, he averaged 20.7 points on 51.2 percent shooting, along with 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 33.5 minutes per game.
LeBron James of Los Angeles Lakers.
The 50-26 Lakers are also enjoying a strong season, as they have won 16 of their last 18 games. They sit third in the Western Conference and look to finish the regular season on a high note, starting with a road matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Another memorable LeBron story
Another moment James discussed during the interview involved the well-known hand signals used by Kobe Bryant. Most NBA players feared Bryant in his prime, and even a player like James admitted he was not immune to it.
James explained how Bryant’s signals used to confuse him. “I swear he used to trick the s***t out of me,” James said. “I’m like what play is he running? What the f***k play is Kobe runnin’? Then every time they swing the ball to him, he goes iso. This ain’t no play, this guy trying to kill me.”
James had one of the highest basketball IQs the game had ever seen, so for him to admit being fooled by Bryant spoke volumes about how special the former Lakers star was. If James was caught off guard by those moments, it likely meant many other players were as well.
