The Los Angeles Lakers are about a month away from kicking off their 2025-26 NBA season, which will be Luka Doncic's first full campaign in the purple and gold. Of course, the Lakers also still employ one LeBron James, who has seen his name in the trade rumor mill this offseason but is set to return for his eighth season in Los Angeles next month.
James has long been known as one of the most dedicated athletes of his time, pouring in immense resources to keep himself in top shape and prolong his career into his 40s. Recently, James detailed the strange pregame superstition he has each night before taking the floor.
“You, I heard, are like super superstitious. Like before the game, you lay the jersey out and nobody can step over it. Is that like a real thing for you?” asked host Speedy during an interview published by Complex on YouTube.
“Yeah, that's a real thing,” confirmed James.
“I am always the same unless I feel something is off,” he added. “So, like I will lay my uniform out the same way before every game. I will pick a shoe that I'm going to wear according sometimes to either the the opponent or the team. If I'm playing a certain player, a specific shoe may get worn that night.”
A big year for the Lakers
This offseason, the big question for the Lakers was whether or not they would be able to add some perimeter defense and frontcourt depth, as both of those areas were thoroughly exposed by the Minnesota Timberwolves in last year's playoffs.
It remains to be seen whether Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton will be able to effectively fill those voids, but the Lakers overall certainly seem to have a more balanced roster heading into this season than they did to end 2024-25.
Los Angeles also figures to see improved synergy between James and Doncic as they enter their first full season as teammates.
The Lakers are scheduled to kick off their 2025-26 campaign on October 21 at home against the Golden State Warriors.
