Latest news with #MindTheGame
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
LeBron James just revealed a childhood secret that explains everything about his rise to NBA greatness
(Image Source - Getty Images) LeBron James, the NBA's top scorer ever and a four-time champion, just revealed something surprising about his early development — he didn't have a personal basketball trainer until his second, third, or even fourth year in the NBA. Instead, he grew up playing unstructured games—pickup games with friends, where he sharpened his skills through hands-on experience instead of formal training. This finding challenges the modern focus on early specialization and organized training in youth sports. LeBron James Credits Pickup Games Over Trainers in Early Development In a recent episode of his podcast "Mind The Game", LeBron James opened up about his unique journey to basketball success. He mentioned, "I didn't have a 'basketball trainer' until my second, third, maybe fourth year in the NBA. My basketball training was just being on the court. Let's just go hoop. Five on five, two on two, three on three." By using this approach, James was able to really understand the game through hands-on experiences. Engaging in various informal games helped him grow his dribbling, shot creation, and basketball IQ in a natural way. He noted that this technique encouraged creativity and adaptability, qualities that have defined his remarkable career. LeBron James Warns Against Early Specialization in Youth Sports Aside from his own experiences, James shared his worries about how youth sports are evolving. He pointed out the issue with kids specializing too early, dedicating themselves to just one sport all year long, usually with the help of personal trainers. James noted, "Me and my guys, we ran track and field as well. We played football all through high school. We didn't just do one thing all year round. I think a lot of kids, they burn the hell out. " He suggested that spending so much time on just one game could cause players to feel tired and lessen the fun they have. James believes that children should take part in different sports and enjoy playing games, instead of concentrating on hard training early on. Also Read: Houston Rockets Prioritize Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet as Offseason Kicks Off After 52-Win Campaign LeBron James recently explained how playing many different sports and not following a strict routine benefits people looking to become athletes. It demonstrates that a person doesn't always need serious training to achieve prominent success; passion, being imaginative and an ability to adjust during play is enough. As sports for youth develop, James wants us to concentrate on playing for enjoyment and general skills rather than specializing at an early stage.
CBS News
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Luka Doncic talks adjusting to Los Angeles Lakers, playing with LeBron James in podcast interview
Luka Doncic spoke about life in Los Angeles in a newly released podcast interview, which also featured his Lakers teammate LeBron James and former Dallas Maverick Steve Nash. On the clip released Monday for James' and Nash's "Mind the Game" podcast, Doncic said it was "unbelievable" to play with a teammate like James, and get to see what James does both on and off the basketball court to prepare for the game. "First of all, he shows up like 10 hours before the game so that was really the main, like, I was like 'what?' … When I came to the arena he was already done working out," Doncic said. He also called playing on the court together a "work in progress" that was improving every day. The interview did not directly address the February trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. Nash also asked Doncic what it was like playing in Los Angeles, comparing it to his home country of Slovenia, which is home to only 2 million people. Doncic said he does not feel any pressure from playing in front of celebrities at every home game, but he was enjoying playing in a city with an ocean and a beach. "After the first couple days that was the first thing on my mind … the only thing is the traffic," Doncic said. The majority of the interview focused on issues in youth sports, and the efforts of James and Doncic to improve the experience for young athletes around the world. The trio did not discuss the Lakers loss in the first round of the NBA Playoffs or the upcoming NBA Finals. It is not specified when or where the interview was taped, but the discussion referred to a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder as having happened earlier that day; The Lakers beat the Thunder in Oklahoma City on April 6, in a game that tipped off at 2:30 p.m. CT.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'We get better and better every day'—Luka Dončić shares his honest feelings on playing with the Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James
Luka Doncic and LeBron James via Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports LeBron James, Luka Doncic with Steve Nash via Mind the Game Luka Doncic and LeBron James via Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports LeBron James, Luka Doncic with Steve Nash via Mind the Game Luka Doncic and LeBron James via Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports 1 2 The Los Angeles Lakers' star duo, LeBron James and Luka Dončić, came together in the recent episode of the widely watched podcast Mind the Game. The podcast went on to generate waves in the NBA world as the Lakers fans were dying to see the Slovenian basketball star along with the NBA icon sharing the seat with the Mind The Game co-host Steve Nash. During the appearance on the podcast, Luka Dončić opened up on his thoughts on sharing the basketball court with LeBron James. Lakers star Luka Dončić shares his thoughts on playing with the NBA icon LeBron James During a recent appearance on the popular podcast Mind the Game, Slovenian athlete Luka Dončić and LeBron James spoke about different aspects of the Los Angeles Lakers and even shed some light on their great chemistry despite being on different stages of their NBA careers. On being asked about his thoughts on playing alongside LeBron James, Dončić said, 'It's been great but just you know, I think I still think it's a work in progress You know, when we two are out there and they are, you know, he's been playing unbelievable and I think it's just still work in progress You know, I think we're getting better and better every day, I mean. He further added, 'I think you saw today against OKC, you know it's hard to win. Here, the number one team in the league for a reason, and we just, you know, we share the ball. Everybody was getting open shots. I still think it's a work in progress, but we're getting better and better every day.' The Luka Dončić Interview (Part 1) | LeBron James & Steve Nash | MIND THE GAME While talking about the legacy of his popular fellow teammate, Luka Doncic further elaborated- "I've never played with a guy like this, and, you know, just being traded here to L.A.—I by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo mean, it was different. But just to play with guys like him, like, it's unbelievable. Like, I could learn so much stuff, you know. First of all, off the court, you know, all the things he does just to be ready for the game. And obviously, on the court, everybody knows what kind of player he is.' Luka Doncic expressed being impressed with LeBron James' sheer dedication towards the game, as he ended up coming down to the ground 10 hours before the game. As they say, greatness comes with hard work and discipline, and Lakers' legend LeBron James clearly exemplifies this. Also Read: LeBron James' mother Gloria James pens a heart-touching message for her grandson Bryce's high school graduation
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
"He shows up like 10 hours before the game" - Luka Doncic on what surprised him the most about playing with LeBron James
The blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers sent ripples across the NBA, changing the landscape of the league. He was seen as the final piece to complete LeBron James' quest for another championship late in his storied career. But even though everyone knew this would be a dynamic duo on paper, no one could have predicted how well they would mesh on the court. When asked about his experience playing alongside LeBron on the "Mind The Game" podcast, Luka shared what surprised him the most. Emphasis on physical preparation James' pronounced emphasis on taking care of his body is the stuff of legends and is a significant part of why he continues to play at such an elite level despite already being 40 years old. From nutrition to recovery, je is meticulous in his approach to physical preparation and Luka was amazed when he saw it firsthand. Advertisement "First of all, he shows up like 10 hours before the game. So, I mean, that was really the main — like, I was — what?" the Slovenian revealed. "I came to the arena, he was already done working out. I was like, what?" While some players arrive at the arena a few hours before the game's tip-off, James prefers to be at the long before everyone. He has a rigid approach to his pre-game routine, which includes a carefully planned out workout and stretching session. Once that is done, James moves on to shootaround and uses deep tissue massages and other recovery methods to ensure his body is in top shape for the game. Luka disclosed that seeing how LeBron pay so much attention to every detail of his preparation hit home. It showed him the level of commitment and dedication required to be one of the greatest players in the league. Advertisement "I've never played with a guy like this and, you know, just being traded to here to L.A. — I mean, it was different. But just to play with guys like him, like, it's unbelievable. Like, I could learn so many stuff, you know. First of all, off the court, you know, all the things he does just to be ready for the game. And obviously, on the court, everybody knows what kind of player he is," Doncic added. Related: Michael Beasley shares why he hates the narrative that Luka Doncic is out of shape: "When I'm scoring 50, tell me then to get in shape" A work in progress The show's co-host Steve Nash discussed how similar Luka's and LeBron's games are. From the precision passing to scoring to creating shots for their teammates, there are striking similarities between the two players. Advertisement "You guys are so similar. You know, obviously different stages of your career, but you're so similar — the way you see the game, the way you process the game, the way you can, you know, abuse bigger defenders, you can bully smaller defenders. You're both computers, the way you read the game," Nash, who was a two-time league MVP during his time in the Association, remarked. Doncic, though, asserted that his partnership with James remains a work in progress. They haven't played a full season together, so it's safe to say they are still working out the kinks and figuring out each other's tendencies. But even with that, their chemistry on the court has been undeniable. "It's been great. But just, you know, I think — I still think it's a work in progress. You know, when we two are out there and they are — you know, he's been playing unbelievable, and I think it's just still work in progress," the 26-year-old shared. Advertisement As their first-round exit in the 2025 NBA Playoffs showed, Luka, LeBron and the Lakers have a lot of work to do to truly elevate themselves to championship contender status. But it's undeniable that with the two megastars on the roster for the foreseeable future, the team has the potential to become a dominant force in the league. Related: "We have a long summer ahead of us" - Luka Doncic reveals he is focusing to be the best version of himself with new indoor conditioning and modified diet
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic on getting to play with LeBron James
After spending the first six seasons of his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic was dealt an abrupt curveball when he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers four months ago. At first, he seemed heartbroken about the trade. But over time, he adjusted to his new surroundings, and he has even indicated that he would like to stay with the Lakers long-term. Advertisement Doncic was a guest on the latest episode of the "Mind the Game" podcast, which is co-hosted by LeBron James and Steve Nash. He talked a little about getting to play alongside James in L.A. "I mean, it's great," Doncic said. "You see, I've never played with a guy like this and just being traded to here to L.A., it was different. But, just to play with guys like him, it's unbelievable. I could learn so many stuff, first of all off the court, all the things he does just to be ready for the game. And obviously, everybody knows what kind of player he is." He also said he is impressed with one thing James does to get ready for a game. 'Well, first of all, he shows up like 10 hours before the game. So, I mean that was really the main, like I was, what? I come to the arena and he's already done working out, I was like what?' James is known for his preparation and for keeping his body right. Such work is a big reason he has the greatest longevity of any player in NBA history and why he is continuing to play at a high level at age 40. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds a game this season, which earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. Meanwhile, Doncic put up 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game in 28 regular-season games with Los Angeles. Advertisement He has apparently already slimmed down this offseason, and according to at least one report, he has changed his mindset and regimen as far as taking care of his body. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Luka Doncic on getting to play with LeBron James
