LeBron James and Anthony Davis spent five and a half seasons together with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning the 2020 NBA championship and forming one of the league’s most dominant duos. Despite their close relationship on and off the court, the two superstars rarely worked out together. Former Lakers assistant coach Lionel Hollins revealed the reason why.
Speaking on SiriusXM Radio, Hollins shared a story about LeBron’s legendary work ethic.
“I got a story to tell you. We got A.D. in a trade after I joined the team. A.D. comes into the weight room in the morning and says, ‘Bron, you said we’d work out together. Man, we haven’t worked out yet.'”
“He said, ‘You gotta get up earlier to come and work out with me.’ It was a true statement because Bron is a morning person. He gets up, does what he needs to do. A.D. is a little later, but he gets there and does his work. But it couldn’t be with LeBron because LeBron was already finished.”
Hollins served as a Lakers assistant coach from 2019 to 2021, helping the franchise win the 2020 NBA championship. During that time, he saw the daily routines of both LeBron and Davis firsthand.
LeBron generally comes to practice hours before anyone in the morning. He has arrived at arenas several times, six to eight hours before tip-off on game days.
And that routine is not limited to lifting weights. LeBron’s routine includes stretching, recovery work, film study, on-court shooting sessions, strength training, treatment, and nutrition. He has said that his commitment to preparation and recovery is key to his longevity as an elite player.
Anthony Davis has never lacked dedication, but Hollins’ story highlights the difference in their schedules. According to Hollins, Davis would still arrive on time and complete his workout. He simply preferred to start a little later in the morning.
By the time Davis arrived, LeBron had already finished his workout and moved on to the next part of his daily routine. That difference, however, had little impact on their chemistry on the court.
Together, LeBron and Davis led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship, made four playoff appearances, and reached the Western Conference Finals in 2023. Their partnership lasted more than five seasons before the Lakers traded Davis in the Luka Doncic deal.
Their close friendship has sparked speculation about potential reunions.
There were rumors that both players could join the Golden State Warriors before LeBron signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. More recently, there have been rumors about a potential Anthony Davis-Joel Embiid swap that would reunite the two stars in Philadelphia.
However, those reports remain speculation, and there is no credible indication that such a move is imminent.
Hollins’ story highlights what has separated LeBron from many players throughout his career. Many players are remembered for their talent, but LeBron has built his legacy on an extraordinary commitment to preparation.
Even Anthony Davis, one of the NBA’s best players, found it difficult to match LeBron’s famously early schedule.
As Hollins explained, there was never any question about Davis’ work ethic. LeBron was already done long before Davis arrived.
