Subscribe
Follow Us
If there’s one thing that Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James proved in his team’s run to the title, it’s that he still has plenty left in the tank.
Despite being in his 17th year in the league, James showed that he was still at the peak of his powers, helping the Lakers win the franchise’s 17th championship and winning the Finals MVP award along the way. As he received the award, which is the fourth of his career, he said that the best thing you can do for your teammates is be available to them, adding that he hasn’t missed a playoff game in his career.
That’s a testament to James’ longevity and durability since entering the NBA from high school in 2003. For his Lakers teammate Rajon Rondo, another man deserves a lot of credit for keeping James’ body in top condition through the years.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Rondo appeared on ESPN’s First Take and gave credit to his personal trainer Mike Mancias. And while LeBron’s place in basketball’s greatest of all-time conversation is still being debated, the two-time champion made a case that Mancias should be considered the greatest trainer of all time.
In an appearance on First Take today, Rajon Rondo highlighted a part of LeBron James’ success, calling Mike Mancias “the greatest trainer of all time, he’s the GOAT”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 13, 2020
It is no secret that James takes great care of his body, even spending millions in the offseason just to be able to continue to perform at a high level, which he did this season by leading the Lakers to an NBA title.
But Mancias is no doubt a huge reason for his durability. Mancias was part of the Cleveland Cavaliers fitness staff in 2003, the year James was drafted as the first overall pick. From there, the two bonded and worked together to help the four-time MVP become the best player in the world.
Now, 17 years later, they are still working together to extend his prime, a feat that made a strong impression on one of James’ veteran teammates.
