LeBron James is a great. No doubt about that. He is one of the few athletes in any sport to have achieved such longevity and greatness. Currently in his 21st NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers great is still regarded as one of the top players in the league.
As he approaches 40 years old, the four-time NBA MVP and 20x All-Star is constantly hitting significant records. He is the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 points and the first player to appear in 20 All-Star games.
LeBron James talks about key elements of Greatness
What, then, does James think was essential to achieving this kind of greatness? Sacrifice and self-control.
James discussed what this type of self-control and selflessness looks like in an interview with J.J. Reddick for their brand-new, popular podcast, Mind the Game. He said,
“When it comes to discipline, you have to sacrifice loved ones for a long period of time if you want to be great. It is very unfortunate, and you feel it at times.”
If you want to be great, you need discipline.
In Episode 1, @kingjames and @jj_redick discuss the makings of a great basketball player: https://t.co/U6VEagnRHo pic.twitter.com/HaWWHrsUi5
— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) March 20, 2024
“They don’t understand what it means, I’m getting up every single day, 5 or 6 a.m., and when I get home after everyone leaves the gym, I’m gonna take a nap. So now you’re sacrificing your loved ones because you’re not spending time with them. When I wake up, I’m probably going to train again, and then I’m going to have dinner and then go to bed. I’m going to do that every single day for a long period of time.
James had to learn this kind of discipline early on because he skipped college and joined the NBA at the age of 18. But James’ success is also partly a result of his talent. Even with the best work ethic, no one could accomplish what James has, despite the fact that his discipline has probably helped him stay on course and fulfill his goals.
