Lakers News: Former LeBron James Coach Applauds His Commitment To Fitness

Despite being the oldest active player in the league, 39-year-old Los Angeles Lakers point forward LeBron James continues to play at an All-Star level even in his 21st pro season.

Although he is renowned for his elite physicality, his former Miami Heat head coach believes the 6’9″ superstar deserves more credit for his commitment to maintaining it, per Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald.

“Most people don’t see it and they assume that he doesn’t. They just assume that he’s the best athlete in this game, which he was for so many years,” Spoelstra reflected.

“But he’s been able to maintain this level because of all that other stuff. “There will be a day where he can still dominate even without the physical tools, he can do it with his size and his brain. But he’s nowhere near that.

He can still do it physically, as well.”

Through 31 contests, James is averaging 25.4 points on .535/.409/.749 shooting splits, 7.4 assists, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks as the de facto leader of the 17-17 Lakers.

Los Angeles will square off against Spoelstra’s 19-14 Heat for the second time this season tomorrow night at 7 p.m. PT.

The action can be watched locally on Spectrum SportsNet, and nationally on NBA TV.

During the two teams’ first encounter this season, on November sixth, Miami eked out a one-point win, 108-107, behind Heat All-Star small forward Jimmy Butler’s 28 points. James scored 30.