Historically, professional athletes begin to fled into their mid-30s. While physical wear keeps up to everyone, several athletes like LeBron James are redefine the expectations surrounding longevity. How does he do that? UFC Hall of Fame Daniel Cormier believes he knows how to do that.
What LeBron is doing now has never been seen in NBA history. The 40-year-old superstar continues to dominate the league just as he did when he was in his mid-20s. Many people see Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the child on the NBA’s longevity poster. The five-time NBA champion played until he was 41 years old.
However, Kareem has seen a sharp decline in his last three seasons, but he has averaged more than 20 points per game. Meanwhile, LeBron remains a staple on the All-NBA team and shows no signs of slowing down.
This phenomenon led to a great conversation between Shannon Sharp and Daniel Cormier. The UFC veteran understands this he fought in his 40s. He was able to provide insight into what distinguishes LeBron from past greats.
“I think it’s access to recovery,” Colmier told Club Shea Shea. “I think athletes today are smart. People in their 20s and 30s aren’t refusing to their bodies anymore.”
If anyone knows how to take care of their body, it’s certainly LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers legend is famous for committing an absurd amount of resources to ensure his body remains in the optimal form. One thing James and his longtime trainer Mike Mancias prioritize the entire LeBron recovery process is that athletes get enough sleep to help their bodies recover.
“It’s the best way for your (sleeping) body to recover physically and emotionally and return to 100% whenever possible,” James told the 2018 Tim Ferris Show.
LeBron is not just the NBA players who are contributing to this new development in the league. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is not behind him. The 37-year-old is approaching his 17th season and is undoubtedly the best point guard in the NBA.
Kevin Durant deserves mentions when he says he’s staying fit at a slightly advanced age. The Houston Rockets star has been growing his dominance since 2007. Since his sophomore season, Durant has averaged under 25 points per game. That is the very definition of longevity.
The new star sees James, Curry and Durant as blueprints for their long, successful careers. The talents of these generations may have changed the way players approach the game in one or more ways.
