The LA Lakers and LeBron James relationship might have gone a bit cold this offseason, even if things haven’t fallen apart for the worse. With Luka Doncic replacing King in major trade decisions, the silence is worth notice. But one off-season truly can’t define LeBron’s dominance in Los Angeles, and the Lakers know his value more than anyone else. When the team struggled, the number 23 stepped in to bring the 17th ring for the franchise. It demands to come full circle now. One more season, a respectful exit, and James seeing the jersey getting into the rafters. Will LeBron melt the growing coldness between the two camps and give the final shot? The answer lies in his cryptic post.

LeBron doesn’t just play to be here for the longest period, but to engineer greatness. Everyone knows he drops $1.5 million a year on fitness and recovery. At 40, he’s still setting the bar. But now? He’s flipping the script entirely. He posted a story from the gym at 4:49 AM—yes, before even the birds clocked in. That discipline has kept one running and ruling for over 22 years now. Forget sleep, this man’s chasing legacy. He didn’t drop that clip by accident either. It was a message, I’m not done yet. While most are snoozing, the King is sharpening his sword.

It took him just 7 words to get the ball rolling: “LET’S GET IT! 👑 YEAR 23 COMING SOON!💪🏾.” Year 23 for number 23—it really doesn’t get more poetic than that. LeBron’s all in the league without any hint that he will retire after his 23rd season. But that’s far from him saying, “You are who I was meant to end my career with,” to the Lakers. That level of commitment’s still on hold. He’s clearly excited, though, because there’s unfinished business. Win another ring and sit next to those in Kobe’s league.

At 40 years old, LeBron James continues to defy time with incredible performances. In the 2024–25 season, he’s averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over 70 games. In February alone, he put up nearly 30 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, shooting over 55%, still playing at an elite, All-NBA level that most players in their 30s fail to achieve. So, if LeBron’s skipping rest, something’s brewing. And if that’s something serious? The other 29 teams better start preparing come October. Because a restless King usually means a restless league. And trouble comes with it.

LeBron James is the perfect case study for the importance of sleep

According to renowned sleep expert Julie Mallon, a consistent sleep routine directly impacts elite athletic performance. And guess who’s the poster child? Yep—LeBron James. The Lakers’ superstar has reportedly mastered the art of recovery, making sleep just as important as training. Mallon credits his ability to stay dominant for two decades to that exact discipline. While most athletes focus on weights and cardio, Bron’s sleeping habits give him a crucial edge. It’s not just naps—it’s science-backed rest that fuels his greatness. Turns out, King James doesn’t just sleep to recover. He sleeps to conquer.

“LeBron James is the most perfect example of how important sleep is for athletes,” said Mallon. “He needs two to three hours daytime sleep and 10 to 11 hours [of sleep] at night to recover. When athletes sleep for eight hours or more, their performance and accuracy is increased by up to nine per cent (9%). And this can be the difference in achieving the great as opposed to not.”

As it turns out, Mallon was right on the money with her research. LeBron James himself backed it up in classic King fashion. The four-time MVP once revealed that his real secret to longevity is something called “optimal REM sleep.” According to him, it’s the best way for the body to fully recover, physically and emotionally. And LeBron doesn’t mess around with it. He rarely sleeps under eight hours, and he swears by the extra Z’s. because for him, longer sleep means better results. So, if you’re wondering how he’s still this good at 40, start with his bedtime routine.

This doesn’t confirm the King’s future—not even close. He still sits in NBA limbo, undecided and unbothered. The Lakers wait, holding their breath. Fans scroll timelines hoping for clues that don’t exist. His early morning training clips feel like breadcrumbs. They scream commitment, but not necessarily their direction. The franchise looks on, frozen between hope and helplessness. Every silence from his camp only fuels speculation. LeBron knows the weight of his every move. He’s controlling the clock—and the conversation. Until he speaks, the league remains on edge. Because when the King pauses, everyone else holds still.