LeBron James recently addressed the long-standing claim that he spends over $1 million annually on body care, calling it an exaggeration. In the Netflix documentary The Starting Five, LeBron said, “I’ve heard this crazy notion… I kind of just chuckle. That is a number that I will not disclose, but, more importantly, I think it’s just the time.” He emphasized that his physical longevity is more a result of commitment and consistency than an exact financial figure.
The $1.5 million estimate originated from sportswriter Bill Simmons in 2016, who credited LeBron’s business partner, Maverick Carter, as the source. According to Simmons, LeBron has replicated team-level training setups at home, hires personal trainers and chefs, and uses high-tech recovery methods like cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers.
LeBron’s routine includes a strict diet focused on organic foods, lean proteins, and complex carbs, though his approach isn’t without contradiction. Former teammate Tristan Thompson once joked that LeBron “eats like s—” and has “the worst diet ever,” yet still performs at an elite level. This paradox is explained by LeBron’s dedication to recovery and training, which include ice baths, red light therapy, compression gear, and stretching routines.
What’s clear is that LeBron’s success into his 40s is not just about spending—it’s about the daily discipline he brings to his health. Whether or not he spends seven figures annually, LeBron has built a holistic regimen that supports his unmatched longevity in the NBA. In his own words, it’s not about the money—it’s about the time.