Brooklyn Nets players Julius Randle and Moe Wagner have praised LeBron James for his longevity, mental discipline and commitment as the Philadelphia 76ers star prepares for his 24th NBA season.
Their comments were published on October 8, 2026, highlighting the physical demands and personal sacrifices required to stay competitive at the highest level for so long.
James is preparing for his first season with Philadelphia after a career that began when he entered the NBA in 2003.
The 76ers are seeking their first championship since 1983, while James approaches his 42nd birthday in December.
Mental grind and family toll
Randle focused on the mental demands of an unusually long career, noting that maintaining elite performance requires more than physical conditioning.
He also pointed to the daily commitment involved in sustaining that standard across multiple decades.
"It's crazy," Randle said. "Some days I wake up and I'm like, I'm retiring today.
You know what I mean? Like, I'm like, 'All right, I'm done.'
I'm just kidding. It's crazy, the longevity."
"It's not just the physical part how he takes care of his body, but the mental.
People don't understand the grind that it takes mentally, every single day, day in and day out to play at that level, specifically, but to play at any level."
Randle also highlighted the personal costs of a career that demands constant attention and time away from family.
James' family remains in Los Angeles as he prepares to join Philadelphia, adding another personal dimension to the transition.
"The toll it takes, the time away from your family, like all those different things, aspects, that weigh on you as a human being," Randle added.
"So, to mentally be as locked in, as engaged as he is, for going into his 24th season; it's pretty impressive, honestly."
Wagner recalls Lakers habits
Wagner, who is entering his ninth NBA season, drew on his experience playing alongside James with the Los Angeles Lakers during his rookie campaign in 2018-19.
He recalled seeing James arrive early at the weight room even while Wagner was working through rehabilitation and trying to meet his own practice obligations.
"I think one thing that I've learned through LeBron is I was in rehab early on in my rookie year and I was in a weight room early every day to try to make practice on time, all of the stuff that you're trying to do when you're young," Wagner recalled.
"And LeBron was always there earlier. It's crazy because he ain't got nothing to prove, you know?
That's just how he breathes. That's how he lives, and that's what he does."
"So that definitely made an impact because if he can have that habit, why can't I? And, of course, I remember that."
Wagner said James' consistency made a lasting impression because the veteran continued to maintain demanding daily habits despite having already established himself as one of the league's leading players.
The Nets center also expressed interest in seeing how James fits into Philadelphia's roster during the upcoming season.
"Obviously, it's incredible," Wagner finished. "We were just talking about.
I think, he could play until he's 50, and still have an impact."
"Like, it's incredible what he can do out on the court. He's proven last year he could be a 3rd option.
I can't wait to see what he can do this year on that team."
"It's incredible. I don't think we should take that for granted."
