An unprecedented season awaits LeBron James. The Akron Hammer continues winning his battles against ‘Father Time’. But every season, a new war begins. In terms of output, there are only advancements in James’ game. But physically, a rigorous schedule takes its toll. Likewise, the 40-year-old can’t operate on full throttle all the time anymore.

That’s the reason the Lakers’ intentional offseason was crucial. Particularly, Deandre Ayton is still a young center who can thrive beside Luka Doncic. The Slovenian himself has undergone a seismic physical transformation, enabling him to act as the anchor. LeBron James will still play his usual wavelength. But he’s also going to manage himself.

“We look forward to what we can accomplish and like you said, you know, me being 40 on the brink of 41, I don’t have to rush myself to get to 100% in October or November. I think every month we’ll ramp up, but I’m happy where I am right now,” he told Steve Nash on Mind The Game. It’s a practical approach that will help the Lakers.

Winning is vital for seeding in the postseason, especially with how competitive the Western Conference is. Until last season, the Lakers didn’t have a choice but to see LeBron James play a heavy role. Even with Luka Doncic, their roster didn’t have positional depth that could influence winning on a high level. That has indeed changed.

It’s not just Doncic who looks rejuvenated. Austin Reaves aims to be an All-Star, indicating his willingness to go the extra mile. With Marcus Smart and Ayton, JJ Redick won’t have to play his starters for the entire second half. Even without any major additions, the Lakers have addressed their flaws, strengthening their stronghold from last season.

They will still need LeBron James to be unhinged at some point. But the priority is to have him fully fit for the second half of the season. The Akron Hammer’s injury count has increased over the past few years. And although he hates load management, James understands it’s necessary to be careful at this stage of his career.

With retirement looming, this was an important summer for James. Luckily, he also had some distractions.

LeBron James found a new obsession in the summer

Having opted in for a final season, the NBA community was gripped by how LeBron James would approach his career. A recent second decision had many fooled. James has been vocal about how his retirement decision will include his family. Likewise, during the summer, he spent a lot of time with his loved ones. “I try to stay off the court as much as possible,” James said about his summer.

However, there was one activity that captivated LeBron James. The King can’t get golf out of his head. He regularly visited courses, sensing what an individual sport feels like. “It’s me versus each hole,” he told Nash. Everything has changed around him since taking up the obsession. His entire social media explore page is about golf, James says.

He can’t seem to escape videos that highlight swing mechanics. Before starting the sport, it got to James’ head. He never envisioned himself playing golf. Now, it’s become an activity he regularly indulges in. And he wants to improve as much as he can. So much so that just going to the course isn’t enough.

“I’m going out to the course right now. I’m going out to the course, but I do have a simulator being put into the house very soon,” he revealed on the podcast. With all the drama swirling around Year 23, golf has become the perfect distraction for James. He likes being “uncomfortable”, finding ways to conquer the course by himself. It could breed the ‘killer’ mentality that the NBA community often says James lacks.

Currently, it’s something he enjoys doing. And LeBron James doesn’t see the tick going away for a long time.