LeBron James: How Basketball Training Has Changed

LeBron James on the Evolution of Basketball Training: From Pickup Games to Personalized Programs Los Angeles, CA – June 2, 2025 – NBA superstar LeBron James recently shared insights into his basketball journey, highlighting the significant shift in training methods between his generation and today's young players. In an interview, James revealed that he didn't have a dedicated basketball trainer until much later in his career. "I mean, I didn't have a basketball trainer until second, third, maybe fourth year in the NBA," he stated. This contrasts sharply with the highly structured training programs prevalent among current young players. James emphasized the simplicity of his early training, focusing on the joy of the game itself. "My basketball training was just being on the court. Let's just go hoop," he explained. This hands-on approach, while effective for him, differs significantly from the specialized coaching and advanced training techniques used by many young athletes today. The evolution of basketball training reflects broader changes in sports science and athlete development. The increased focus on personalized programs, data analysis, and specialized coaching demonstrates the growing sophistication of the industry. James's perspective provides a valuable historical context for understanding these advancements, highlighting the personal journey of one of basketball's greatest players.