LeBron James responds to the rumor of the million-dollar spent on his body

LeBron James faces his 24th season in the NBA about to turn 42 years old and after having started a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers. His longevity at the elite level continues to spark admiration and curiosity about the methods he uses to maintain exceptional physical condition. One of the most widespread rumors suggests that the forward invests nearly a million dollars a year in taking care of his body. Now, the player himself has responded to that theory in the Netflix documentary Starting 5, although without revealing the exact amount.

Advanced technology to extend his career

Physical care is a fundamental part of the life of any elite athlete. In LeBron's case, who began his professional career in 2003, maintaining peak performance for over two decades requires utilizing different recovery and rehabilitation techniques.

His training is in the hands of his personal trainer, Mike Mancias, who applies biohacking methods by combining science, technology, nutrition, and habits. Among the resources he uses are compression boots for the legs and red light therapy. He also resorts to thermal contrast therapies and ice baths after exertion, especially following games.

Additionally, James uses cryotherapy chambers to reduce muscle soreness and facilitate recovery. However, one of the most surprising methods in his routine is the hyperbaric chamber.

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The hyperbaric chamber, what surprises his wife the most

In this device, LeBron stays in a hermetic space where he receives oxygen at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. He even takes naps inside it. A practice that doesn't fully convince his wife, Savannah James, who acknowledged in the documentary that it is what catches her attention the most about all his treatments: "It seems the craziest thing he does to me. It feels like he’s entering a coffin, and I don’t like it."

The use of these systems, many of which are unusual and can be applied from his own home, has fueled years of speculation about the money he allocates to maintain his physical condition. Estimates have placed that investment around a million dollars annually, although the player has not wanted to confirm or deny that figure.

"I've heard that ridiculous theory about how much money I spend on my body each year. And, honestly, it makes me quite amused. That is a number I'm not going to reveal," LeBron explained in Starting 5. In any case, the Sixers player wanted to highlight that the most important factor is not money, but consistency: "The most important thing is time."

LeBron still performing at 41

After having conquered practically every possible individual and collective goal, James is facing the first of the two years of contract he has with Philadelphia, after ending an eight-season chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Despite being in the final stage of his career, his numbers remain outstanding. At the start of this season, he averages 15.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 32.6 minutes per game. Another testament to the longevity of a legend who continues to compete at the highest level.