Lakers’ LeBron James quit drinking alcohol in hopes of keeping up with younger players

Recently, we had some news from Los Angeles that might get the Lakers fans dizzy. According to a new report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers are signaling a definitive changing of the guard, effectively turning the page from LeBron James to focus entirely on Luka Doncic.

The franchise now views Doncic as its undisputed cornerstone, a sentiment reinforced by recent internal friction and James’s injury struggles this season. While the 41-year-old forward’s future remains a mystery, with speculation ranging from retirement to signing elsewhere for the 2026-27 campaign, the organization has clearly prioritized building around its younger superstar.

James has appeared in limited contests this year due to health issues, yet the front office sees Doncic as the primary driver of their future.

Despite the narrative shifting away from him, James has maintained a high level of professional discipline to stay on the floor. According to ESPN, although he missed the first 14 games with sciatica, he showed intense commitment during his recovery.

LeBron James also revealed that he quit drinking alcohol entirely during his rehab and slimmed down considerably.  This physical transformation was designed to alleviate pressure on his joints and back, allowing the veteran to better keep up with the young guys as the team eyes a potential run this spring.

The chemistry between the past and future faces of the franchise was evident following a recent victory over the Dallas Mavericks. James praised Doncic for reaching a new level of comfort since his trade from Dallas a year ago.

He also highlighted that Doncic has fully embraced the city and the system, noting that the entire roster is rallying around him. This performance was particularly meaningful as Doncic returned to his old stomping grounds, showing off the results of an offseason dedicated to improving his conditioning after facing criticism regarding his fitness.

With the Lakers sitting comfortably in the Western Conference standings, the transition of power appears to be successful, with Doncic holding the keys to the franchise while a leaner James adapts to support the vision.

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