LeBron James’ fitness level has been a topic of discussion in the NBA community, with many marveling at his ability to maintain such a high level of physical performance even in his 20th season in the league. Recently, Al Horford, a fellow veteran player, spoke about his first-hand experience dealing with James’ fitness levels in a Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals.
The 36 years old revealed that he was disturbed by James’ unfazed and unbothered nature in the crucial game, considering the physical toll that the playoffs can take on players. Even rookie Jayson Tatum paled in comparison to James’ fitness levels, according to Horford.
James’ ability to maintain such a high level of fitness and performance has been crucial to his success over the years, as he continues to dominate younger players even in his mid-30s. Horford, himself a model professional whose performances in his mid-30s have been lauded by the NBA community, expressed shock at James’ fitness levels, which is indicative of James’ greatness.
Al Horford said- “It was Game 7. About four minutes to go in the fourth quarter. It was still a very close game and we were getting out of a timeout. I’m looking at Marcus Morris, I’m looking at Jayson Tatum, Jaylen (Brown), Terry (Rozier), myself. We’re gassed! It’s Game 7. We’re giving everything we have. I’m in great shape and I’m still very tired. And I look at the other side and he’s (LeBron James) sitting on the scorer’s table, leaning very casually. He’s played every single minute up to that point and he looked unfazed. He looked unbothered. And to me, that was disturbing. The fitness level, the conditioning that he’s in, I think it’s something that people don’t realize.”
Horford has a 4-19 record against James in the playoffs, with James constantly routing Horford’s teams en route to his many NBA Finals appearances from the East. A potential Boston-LA Finals matchup could be the only way the two old foes meet in the playoffs again, but as Horford knows, ruling out King James at your own peril is never a wise decision.
In conclusion, James’ fitness level is a testament to his dedication to the game and his commitment to maintaining a high level of physical performance even in his 20th season in the league. As Horford’s experience shows, James’ fitness level is unmatched, and it is one of the key factors that has contributed to his success over the years.
LeBron James: A Playoff Powerhouse – An In-Depth Look at His Dominance
LeBron James’s playoff success is a testament to his greatness as a player. He has played in 266 playoff games throughout his career, averaging 41.5 minutes per game and leading in minutes per game four times. His team relies on him to lead in scoring and creating for others, and he has delivered time and time again.
James has been to 10 NBA Finals, with eight of those in consecutive seasons between 2010-18. He has won four NBA Championships and was the MVP of the finals in all four. He has made it out of the first round in every playoff he participated in, except for last season.
Despite the wear and tear that has been put on James’s body, he has managed to stay healthy for most of his career. In 15 seasons from 2003-18, he played in less than 70 games just twice, which is impressive considering the workload he puts on his body every night. Overall, LeBron James’s longevity and constancy, combined with his impressive regular season and playoff performances, make him one of the greatest players in NBA history.
