LeBron James Battles Chronic Arthritis Ahead of Historic 24th NBA Season 

LeBron James is reportedly dealing with chronic arthritis in his left foot as he prepares for his unprecedented 24th NBA season.

According to a detailed ESPN report by Dave McMenamin, the 41-year-old forward is undergoing a rigorous daily routine to keep his body ready for another demanding campaign.

James begins his day at the Philadelphia 76ers’ training complex at around 7:45 a.m., where he meets his longtime athletic trainer, Mike Mancias, to work on his body.

LeBron James pays special attention to his left foot 

His routine includes stretching, activation exercises, and other treatments, with particular attention being paid to his left foot, which sources told ESPN has chronic arthritis.

James is also continuing to work on his lower back, an area that caused him problems last season. He missed the first month of the 2025-26 campaign because of sciatica and has continued doing daily work to manage lingering symptoms.

The reported arthritis adds another physical challenge for James as he prepares to embark on his first season with the Sixers.

The upcoming campaign will also mark his 24th NBA season, extending his league record for player longevity. Every game James plays will add to a record that he continues to push further.

Despite the physical demands of his lengthy career, James has remained committed to his preparation.

During the first week of training camp, practice was scheduled for 11 a.m., but James was already at the facility well before his teammates.

Sixers rookie amazed by LeBron’searly arrival 

Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe recalled seeing the veteran forward in the locker room before practice.

“He was in there before everybody,” Edgecombe said. “As usual.”

James’ early arrival is particularly notable because he lives nearly 100 miles away in New York City.

According to ESPN, the NBA star makes the commute to work by helicopter, with the roughly 40-minute flight ending at a helipad on top of the Sixers’ business offices next to the practice facility.

While James’ unusual commute has generated curiosity, it reportedly does not appear to faze people within the organization. The Sixers’ managing partner and primary owner, Josh Harris, is also accustomed to traveling by helicopter.

James’ presence has already become a talking point among his new teammates.

After Friday’s practice, his helicopter could reportedly be heard inside the facility as Sixers third-year forward Justin Edwards wrapped up his media availability with reporters.

Edwards finished his final answer, looked toward the ceiling and jokingly asked, “Is he coming back?”