An unprecedented season awaits LeBron James. The Akron native continues to defy Father Time, but at 40, every new campaign brings fresh challenges. While his production remains elite, maintaining that level through an 82-game schedule demands careful management.

That’s why the Lakers’ deliberate offseason mattered. With Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton joining the mix, the roster finally has the depth to ease James’ workload. Doncic, in particular, has reshaped his body and can now anchor the offense for stretches, allowing LeBron to pace himself.

“We look forward to what we can accomplish and like you said, you know, me being 40 on the brink of 41, I don’t have to rush myself to get to 100% in October or November. I think every month we’ll ramp up, but I’m happy where I am right now,” he told Steve Nash on Mind The Game. It’s a practical approach that will help the Lakers.

It’s a practical mindset that could prove crucial. The Western Conference is as competitive as ever, and the Lakers can’t afford an early slump. In past years, they relied heavily on James to carry them, but that’s no longer necessary.

Austin Reaves has All-Star ambitions. Marcus Smart adds grit and playmaking, and Ayton gives them a young, mobile big man. Coach JJ Redick now has the flexibility to manage minutes better and avoid overextending his stars. The Lakers’ focus is clear: keep LeBron healthy for the stretch run.

Despite his disdain for load management, James recognizes that staying available when it matters most is key. With retirement inching closer, this summer gave him a chance to reset and find a new passion along the way.

LeBron James found a new obsession in the summer

Having opted in for a final season, the NBA community was gripped by how LeBron James would approach his career. A recent second decision had many fooled. James has been vocal about how his retirement decision will include his family. Likewise, during the summer, he spent a lot of time with his loved ones. “I try to stay off the court as much as possible,” James said about his summer.

However, there was one activity that captivated LeBron James. The King can’t get golf out of his head. He regularly visited courses, sensing what an individual sport feels like. “It’s me versus each hole,” he told Nash. Everything has changed around him since taking up the obsession. His entire social media explore page is about golf, James says.

He can’t seem to escape videos that highlight swing mechanics. Before starting the sport, it got into James’ head. He never envisioned himself playing golf. Now, it’s become an activity he regularly indulges in. And he wants to improve as much as he can. So much so that just going to the course isn’t enough.

“I’m going out to the course right now. I’m going out to the course, but I do have a simulator being put into the house very soon,” he revealed on the podcast. With all the drama swirling around Year 23, golf has become the perfect distraction for James. He likes being “uncomfortable”, finding ways to conquer the course by himself. It could breed the ‘killer’ mentality that the NBA community often says James lacks.

Currently, it’s something he enjoys doing. And LeBron James doesn’t see the tick going away for a long time.