LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a play during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)

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Megan Armstrong

By Megan Armstrong

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LeBron James' historic longevity in the NBA hasn't happened by accident.

James, 41, is the only player in league history to play a 23rd season. Last month, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised James for "the preparation that he puts into his body over and over and over again, and that, to me, is the ultimate sign of competitive stamina."

James put into context just how committed he is to staying in tip-top basketball shape on the newest "Bob Does Sports" episode.

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In it, Robby Berger asked when the last time James indulged in fast food.

"Oh my God, Bob, I don't remember," the 22-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion said. "I don't remember. I would say maybe when I go back home in the offseason, I've got a Chick-fil-A that's literally a two-minute drive from my house."

James continued, "I'll go over there to get a Chick-fil-A sandwich, for sure. The fries, but they've got to give them to you as soon as they come out because they get cold quick."

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a play during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)

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Elsewhere in the episode, James said he's been "blessed" with remarkable durability since 2003, having never suffered a season-ending injury, but acknowledged, "I put the work in, man."

"The best availability is being available to your teammates, and I've been able throughout my 23-year career — playing in Cleveland twice, Miami, and now here [in L.A.] — just being available to my teammates. I think that's very important. Sets the tone."

James also shared what would have to happen for him to finally retire from the NBA.

"I personally think it's literally just the mind," James said. "If the mind is still in it, then I think everything else will take care of itself. For me, I love the process. If I can continue to be process-oriented, and I'm getting to the arena early, like I always do. Five hours before, locking in, excited about it, then I can do it forever."

He added, "When it gets to that point, if I feel like I don't want to go early or I don't want to work out or I don't want to train, then I'll be cheating the game. And I don't want to do that."

James has averaged 20.7 points, seven assists, and six rebounds for the 50-27 Lakers this season. The Lakers have five regular-season games remaining before the NBA playoffs tip off on April 18. L.A. is the third seed in the Western Conference.

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