LeBron James Reveals the Toll of a 21-Year NBA Career on His Feet

LEBRON James is one of the greatest basketball players ever to touch the court, and that level of success comes with some downfalls.

James has dominated the NBA for over 21 seasons, winning four league MVPs, but he recently went viral after sending social media into an uproar after an old photo surfaced of his “gnarly” feet.

LeBron James went viral this week for off-the-court photos Credit: AP

James shocked NBA fans after images appeared on social media of his feet Credit: BackGrid

The 39-year-old NBA legend has given the basketball world plenty of memories since being on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2002 at 18 as a senior in high school.

He would forgo college and enter the 2003 NBA draft and was selected No. 1 in arguably one of the best drafts in league history.

James went ahead of son-to-be future Hall of Famers Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and several All-Stars like Chris Kaman and Kyler Korver.

However, that dominance and success have come with a price after all the years of playing his feet have taken a toll.

A picture of James out on vacation from years again has resurfaced online this week, showing his toes bunched together, with some toes pointing in the opposite direction of the others.

NBA fans flooded social media with reactions to one of the league’s superstar’s feet.

“That’s what years of standing on business looks like,” this fan proclaimed.

“Look at this, kids. That is what greatness takes,” another shared.

“It looks like he lost his pinky toe in some accident and then just glued it back on sideways,” a third joked.

“The price of greatness. While we enjoy the game, players put their bodies through grueling demands to get to the top. Enjoy them play while it lasts,” a fourth expressed.

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Last season, James injured his foot and was forced to miss time, and a podiatrist told The U.S. Sun in an interview that he likely spends a lot of money to keep his feet healthy.

“For his feet generally, I would say that every month, LeBron will likely be spending around $7,000 on podiatric care, orthotics, and custom sneakers.

“LeBron also has a complicated left foot and would need scalpel treatment to get the calluses removed and prevent ulcerations.

“Now there’s rehabilitation for his right foot on top of that. That’s a huge bill – adding up to $84,000 a year,”

Despite the challenges, James has had a prolific career, winning four NBA titles and looking to win his fifth with the Los Angeles Lakers this season.

He is also the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

LeBron getting his feet and ankles taped up in the locker room in 2011 Credit: Getty

LeBron has custom sneakers made by Nike that would help protect his feet Credit: Splash