LeBron James’ legendary work ethic just got another stamp of approval. Celebrity trainer Chris Brickley says the Lakers star never just shows up on time; he shows up early. In fact, LeBron routinely beats his scheduled workouts by two full hours, turning an 8AM session into a 6AM grind.
“LeBron will schedule an 8 AM workout, and every single time we’ve ever worked out, he shows up at 6 AM,” said Brickley on Curious Mike. “He stretches for an hour, and then does abs, and then lifts. Every single time. If there’s a run at 10, he’s getting there at 8AM. He’s 40 years old and he’s still in the league, so it’s tough not to say him.”
Going into his 23rd season, LeBron James has already surpassed all previous standards for longevity. Besides being an All-Star for 21 straight years, he became the first player to be teammates with his own son. It’s not by accident that LeBron has achieved these feats, and Chris Brickley would know.
Brickley is a professional trainer who has worked with several high-profile athletes, including Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and Donovan Mitchell. His biggest client is LeBron, so he’s got a unique perspective on his off-court work habits.
For Brickley, the chance to work with James gave him a glimpse into his mindset. While he may not have the same intensity or “assassin” approach as Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan, LeBron puts in just as much work and continues to outperform his peers at almost 40 years old, with averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game in the 2024-25 season.
While good genes and injury luck have helped James, the secret to his consistency is the time he dedicates to keeping his mind and body in peak condition. As the first one in the gym and the last one to leave, LeBron’s dedication to improving has helped his game evolve to maximum efficiency.
Even as a four-time champion, four-time MVP, and a legacy as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron continues to set the example for his teammates and sets the bar high for how he wants them to work both on and off the court. In turn, LeBron’s teams are always in the mix for a championship, and the Lakers are no different.
Going into the 2025-26 season, Los Angeles is primed to be a major contender in the West. With James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton, the pieces are there to make a run, and LeBron is ready to meet expectations. If the team can stay healthy and develop their chemistry, there’s no reason why they can’t finish in the top four.
As for how much longer No. 23 will be on this level, that’s for him to decide. His body is showing no signs of slowing down, and he will continue to play a major role on his team. Retirement will only come when James loses the will to keep up his impeccable work ethic.
In the end, LeBron James’ career is living proof that greatness doesn’t happen by chance. Every early workout, every stretch, every lift has added up to create one of the most remarkable runs in sports history. At nearly 41 years old, he’s still rewriting the rules of what’s possible, and if Brickley’s testimony tells us anything, it’s that LeBron has no plans to let up anytime soon.
