Tyrese Maxey’s remarkable ascent from a 21st overall draft pick to an NBA All-Star has been a compelling narrative, marked by relentless dedication and a profound desire for improvement. As one of the Philadelphia 76ers’ few consistent bright spots over the past two seasons, his success is not merely attributed to innate talent but also to unique opportunities, notably his ongoing training sessions with arguably the greatest player of all time, LeBron James.
This extraordinary mentorship is facilitated by their shared agent, Rich Paul, who has cultivated a relationship allowing Maxey unparalleled access to James’s elite regimen. These joint workouts have been a cornerstone of Maxey’s development, providing him with firsthand exposure to the dedication and meticulous preparation required at the highest echelons of professional basketball, directly contributing to his burgeoning career trajectory.
Maxey’s training history with James dates back to his pre-draft period, establishing a long-standing tradition that continues almost every offseason. What once might have seemed like an unattainable dream for a young prospect has, for Maxey, evolved into a regular occurrence. As he aptly puts it, sharing a court with James has become “normal now,” a testament to his own elevated status within the league.
Despite the familiarity, Maxey admits there’s still an element of awe watching James, even at 40, perform with such intensity. This sentiment was a focal point of a recent segment on “The Deep 3” podcast, where Maxey expressed profound admiration for James’s enduring commitment and physical prowess, highlighting the surreal experience of standing alongside a living legend.
During the podcast, Maxey recounted a particularly amusing anecdote from their shared training sessions, revolving around a post-practice ritual orchestrated by their common trainer, Chris Johnson. This routine typically involves players completing three dunks to cap off their workout. Maxey, prioritizing efficiency, quickly dispatched his three straightforward attempts.
LeBron James, however, approached the ritual with characteristic flair. Maxey vividly recalled James’s insistence on more challenging lobs, pushing for spectacular, ambitious dunks despite Maxey’s attempts to throw easier passes given James’s age. Maxey’s reaction, a playful “You crazy,” encapsulated the astonishment and admiration for James’s unyielding drive.
This specific moment underscored James’s unwavering dedication to his signature, high-flying plays, a commitment that has become a running joke, even within the Los Angeles Lakers’ locker room. Austin Reaves, for instance, once found himself on the receiving end of James’s good-natured critiques regarding less-than-perfect lobs, further illustrating James’s relentless pursuit of perfection, regardless of his age.
Ultimately, the bond between Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James transcends mere professional association; it represents a unique blend of mentorship, mutual respect, and lighthearted camaraderie. Their interactions, such as the memorable dunk anecdote, not only showcase James’s extraordinary longevity but also highlight Maxey’s growing confidence and comfort level among the NBA’s elite, promising an exciting future for both athletes in basketball news.
