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LeBron James’ OCD Struggles Triggered Tension With Media Personnel, Who Almost Lost His Job

Published 02/28/2024, 8:33 AM EST

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By now, it’s no secret, that LeBron James is very particular about maintaining and conditioning his body to prolong his career. Legends marvel at the fact that he has his production hasn’t declined in 21 seasons. At 39, he is able to do what he was as a steaming and freakish rookie in 2003. There are only slight deviations that came with age and maturity. But for the most part, James is still in elite shape and able to play unbelievable basketball.

The secret to that is his attention to detail, especially regarding his recovery and physique. James reportedly invests millions of dollars every year in his health. That includes the best treatments, procedures, and other processes that are required for him to prolong his prime for two decades. I say invest because it has given him the fruits of labor in the shape of an illustrious, almost unattainable basketball legacy.

One of his former Miami Heat teammates, Mario Chalmers could recollect some bizarre incidents that highlighted King James’ ‘OCD’ when it comes to his preparation.

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LeBron James will do everything it takes to stay in shape

Miami LeBron James was remarkable for many reasons. He shouldered the hostility and pressure of moving to South Beach at the apex of his career and joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Moreover, he has transformed into a physical specimen, a prototype the NBA hadn’t seen ever. James would barely get injured, was playing at high intensity every night, and would somehow seem fresher and more devoted the next day.

It was a spectacle to watch for fans. Wade, when speaking about his close friend in an interview once said it was the hand of God himself that helps the Kid From Akron stay at the pinnacle for so long. The truth however is it is his own dedication and intricate preparation that accounts for it. Just ask Chalmers about the ludicrous things he has seen.

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“One thing about Bron, he’s OCD. He’ll tell you that. He’s always getting treatment, he’s always taking care of his body, always making sure he’s getting proper rest. So that was the main thing that stood out to me. The funniest thing is one night we was at dinner. We was at a restaurant and he had the electric stems on his knees at dinner and I’m like ‘You get treatment regardless of where we at’,” Chalmers recalled.

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He also said that James has a very particular pre-game ritual he follows. It involves him laying out his entire game gear on the floor in the locker room. His teammates are instructed to go around it. If anyone steps over, James’ blood would boil. And it happened once when a media reporter stepped over it. “He snapped,” Chalmers said.

James then made the equipment manager of the Heat get an entirely new set of his gear, even though the media personnel probably only stepped on a few of those pieces. Regardless of how crazy LeBron James might seem, it’s this strict discipline and routine that enables him to shine and defy the laws of longevity at the age of 39. It’s rare to see someone be so effective at the highest level after having played the most time in the NBA’s history.

Thomas Bryant, a former Laker who played with an older LeBron James revealed he hasn’t changed at all. There is a seat in the Lakers’ practice facility that has his name on it. If anyone goes sit on it there are people warning them – “No don’t sit there that’s Bron’s seat,”.

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LeBron James Spares $319 on Jaw-Dropping Surprise Gift for Shedeur Sanders After NBA Opening Night Greeting

It is a nod to his commitment to the game and ensuring he is always fully prepared physically and mentally at his best. Those are the sacrifices and habits that have made the modern-day legend that is LeBron James.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is a Senior NBA Writer at EssentiallySports, who is marching towards touching 3000 articles. As a writer who specializes in game analysis, post-game pressers, thrilling perspective on players and their performances, he loves merging his passion for writing with the complex human-dramas that unfold everyone on-court. At ES, he is known for his quick coverage of breaking news, an expertise that is now inspiring the junior writers.
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