The Los Angeles Lakers have revealed that 41-year-old LeBron James remains the fittest athlete on a relatively young roster, which comprises only three players over 30 — James, Marcus Smart (32) and Maxi Kleber (34).
The news was broken by “NBA on NBC” sideline reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi during Game 4 of the Lakers vs. Houston Rockets first-round playoff series on Sunday.
“JJ Redick told me before the game that the whole team did a DEXA scan, a full-body scan, earlier in the season, and LeBron had the lowest body fat percentage of anyone on the roster,” ShahAhmadi reported in the first quarter of the “NBA on NBC” broadcast.
“JJ told me, ‘it’s actually insane,’ and as you know, James has continued to ramp it up,” she continued.
“JJ says LeBron has become obsessed at being able to peform at this level at this age.”
LeBron James Doing the Impossible
Play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle revealed what Redick told him.
“JJ actually said, ‘That’s basically impossible for a 41-year-old.’
Hall of Famer Grant Hill had an interesting outlook on the situation.
“It’s kinda embarrassing as a teammate to have a 41-year-old with lower body fat.”
Eagle chimed in.
It’s one thing to say, ‘This guy has an incredible body fat percentage at 41.’ But against other NBA players? Wait a second. You’re telling me that Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, who is in incredible shape himself, have a higher body-fat percentage?
Earlier, Hill couldn’t stop raving about James’ commitment to his craft.
“To lead the entire NBA in fast break points at the age of 41… I mean, just the fitness, the conditioning, the longevity — it’s incredible,” Hill said, while calling the action.
Lakers vs Rockets Game 5
After his remarkable performance in Game 3, James endured an off night in Sunday’s Game 4, finishing with 10 points (2-for-9 FG), nine assists and eight turnovers. He took accountability for the loss and promised to be better for Game 5 on Wednesday.
“It started with me, obviously,” James said after the 115-96 loss.
“My turnovers were unacceptable.”
Despite his off night, James extended his 12-year streak of double-digit scoring games in the postseason to 144 games. The four-time MVP failed to hit the 10-point mark only twice before in his career — Game 5 of the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals (seven points) against the Indiana Pacers and Game 4 of the 2011 NBA Finals (eight points).
The Lakers could reportedly get Austin Reaves (oblique) back from injury for Game 5 as they attempt to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
Lakers vs Rockets Game 5 tips off at 7 p.m. PT on Wednesday.
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