LeBron James has been one of the most consistent players in the history of the NBA. The 37-year-old has averaged at least 25 PPG each season in his 19-season-long career except his rookie year. One of the major reasons behind the four-time NBA champion’s consistency is his health. James has been a part of the league for a long time. But he has hardly missed any playing time in comparison to other great players in the league.
LeBron has suffered only a few severe injuries throughout his career, thanks to his focus on keeping his body at its peak. Several reports have suggested that the 18-time NBA All-Star spends about $1.5m each season to keep his body in the best shape. Not many players in the league take care of their body and health as LeBron does.
One of the aspiring young talents who is set to follow in James’ footsteps in terms of his NBA legacy is Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 27-year-old was named NBA finals MVP as he led the Buck to a championship win in 2021. The six-time All-Star is one of the best forwards currently in the league and also has five All-Defensive team selections under his belt. Recently, Giannis talked about LeBron James’ extravagant investments in his health and wellness while expressing James’ eliteness in the league.
Talking to Marca, Antetokounmpo said he was unsure about spending $1.5m on his body like LeBron James does every season. The Greek player jokingly claimed to be too cheap to spend so much money on his body. He added, “No, I’m joking. It’s crazy to me, man. He’s been so consistent. It’s definitely fun to watch.”
How Does James Spend $1.5M To Keep Himself Healthy Every Season?
James spends a whooping $1.5m each year to keep his body fit. Some of his expenditures include his state-of-the-art gym, trainers, expensive equipment, and different recovery therapies, which kept him going with the same spark he came with to the league in 2003. The list also includes BioFreeze, muscle relaxers, and suitable diets. Moreover, some of the therapies and recovery processes that LeBron prefers for his body are Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and NormaTec leg boots.
The four-time NBA MVP uses cryotherapy to recover the irritated nerves by exposing the body to freezing temperatures. The therapy is usually used for treating prostate cancer and abdominal skin cells. Meanwhile, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is done by creating pressure above more than sea level in a chamber. The high pressure induces more oxygen intake, producing deep-oxygenating effects and reducing body inflammations.
Further, NormaTec is a leg recovery system to keep the legs strong by creating a massage pattern. The leg boots inflate in a certain posture against the body, creating a massage effect on designated areas, including legs, hips, and arms.
Moreover, the 18-time-All Star pays special attention to any kind of food that enters his body. He has personal chefs to keep proper care of his diet. King James refrains from intaking any kind of sugars, carbs, or dairy to make his diet carb-less. Thus, James made a lot of sacrifices to his diet to stay fit and consistent in the league and become one of the richest athletes in the world.