LeBron James Sends a Message at 4:49 AM: Year 23 is Coming and the King Isn’t Slowing Down… Read more…
As the basketball world winds down for the summer, LeBron James is just getting started. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar—still at the pinnacle of athletic achievement at 40 years old—lit up social media in the early hours of Tuesday morning, posting a short video showing himself heading to the gym at 4:49 a.m.. The caption read simply: “Year 23 coming soon.”
For fans of the game and followers of greatness, it was another powerful reminder that LeBron is not ready to hand over the reins—not to Father Time, not to the next generation, and certainly not to any Western Conference rival.
The Power of the Morning Grind
The early-morning workout video, posted on LeBron’s Instagram story, wasn’t just for show. It signaled a deeper message—one rooted in mindset, professionalism, and legacy.
LeBron has long been known for his meticulous approach to his body. From spending over $1.5 million annually on personal trainers, chefs, cryotherapy, and recovery tools, to leading by example in how an aging athlete can extend his prime, the four-time NBA champion has built an off-court empire around longevity.
“Greatness doesn’t sleep,” former teammate Dwyane Wade once said of LeBron. “He lives it 24/7.”
This morning’s post reaffirmed that truth. With 22 NBA seasons behind him, LeBron’s work ethic remains unmatched—even while most of the league is vacationing or easing into training camp prep.
Context: The Lakers’ Offseason So Far
The Lakers have undergone major changes this offseason. With Luka Dončić expected to sign a massive extension and becoming the face of the franchise, the team is clearly pivoting toward the future. But LeBron’s presence remains central to their hopes in 2025–26.
He opted into the final year of his contract, worth $52.6 million, silencing short-term rumors of retirement or departure. Yet, his long-term status remains in question. Will this be his final season with the Lakers? Is he preparing for one last run at championship glory? Or is there one more contract on the horizon?
LeBron’s 4:49 AM message seems to imply he’s far from done.
“As long as my mind is sharp and my body follows, I’ll keep playing,” he said earlier this year during All-Star Weekend.
The Lakers’ front office, meanwhile, has retooled the roster to support LeBron and Luka. With new additions like Marcus Smart, Eric Dixon, and rumors of additional bench upgrades, the team appears to be building for both now and next.
Year 23: A Historic Milestone
When the 2025–26 season begins, LeBron will enter his 23rd NBA season, becoming the only player in league history to do so with All-NBA performance still in reach.
Here’s what that means in context:
- Most Seasons Played: LeBron already holds that record for most total minutes, regular season + playoffs.
- Oldest All-NBA Player: He could break his own record from 2024.
- 40,000+ Points: Already passed. Now pushing 44,000 by season’s end.
- Playoff Minutes Leader: No one is even close.
This upcoming season will also mark the 20th anniversary of his first NBA game. What began as a high school phenom debuting in Sacramento in 2003 has transformed into the most decorated and durable career in league history.
Still Motivated, Still Hungry
Critics love to point out that LeBron is no longer the dominant two-way force he once was. And while that may be true in terms of defensive volume and vertical burst, his impact remains elite.
- Last season stats (2024–25): 24.7 points, 7.9 assists, 7.2 rebounds per game.
- TS%: Over 60%, still among the best in the league.
- Game-winners: 3 clutch-time buzzer beaters last year alone.
But more than stats, what keeps him going is the pursuit of purpose. Whether that’s mentoring Luka Dončić, chasing a fifth championship, or setting the ultimate example for his sons—LeBron James Jr. and Bryce—his drive remains intensely personal.
“I still love the game like I’m 18,” he said in an April interview. “That love is what fuels me.”
LeBron and Luka: A Passing of the Torch?
Behind the scenes, insiders say the relationship between LeBron and Luka has grown stronger. With Luka poised to take over as the Lakers’ leader, LeBron’s role is subtly shifting. He’s becoming more of a player-mentor hybrid, much like what Kobe Bryant was to a young LeBron during Team USA camps in the 2000s.
This isn’t about ego—it’s about evolution. And it’s why fans and teammates alike saw this morning’s post as a message not just of personal readiness, but team unity.
“Luka respects the hell out of Bron,” said one Lakers assistant coach. “And Bron loves seeing Luka put in the work.”
What’s Next for the King?
LeBron’s 4:49 AM grind session is just the beginning of his offseason regimen. He’s expected to join the team’s informal training camp in early August, before heading into media day and full preseason in late September.
He’ll also feature in several Jordan Brand events this summer, including the anticipated Luka Dončić contract extension celebration and team showcase.
But don’t expect him to slow down. If anything, he’s ramping up.
Final Thoughts
In an era where younger stars are crowned prematurely and legends fade quietly, LeBron James continues to defy the natural arc of athletic decline. His early morning video was more than a workout post—it was a manifesto. A battle cry.
“Year 23 coming soon.” It’s not just a warning to the NBA—it’s a promise to himself.
And if history has taught us anything, it’s that when LeBron James promises something, the league better be ready.
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