Inside LeBron James’ impressive body transformation through the years including $1.5m-a-year on secret diet and training

LeBron’s longevity allowed him to continue breaking NBA records in Year 21

LEBRON James is one of the most athletically gifted sports stars the world has ever seen — and the NBA great has made sure not to waste the outlandish genes he inherited.

The Los Angeles Lakers All-Star has been a perfectionist with an impeccable work ethic since entering the league in 2003, allowing him to compete at the highest level even in Year 21.

LeBron James has gone through a major body transformation since the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in 2003Credit: Getty

James’ frame changed in different stages of his NBA career, but he’s always boasted a ripped physique that allowed him to dominate on the courtCredit: Getty

Time and again, James, 38, has shown he is absolutely obsessed with beating Father Time, putting countless of his current and former teammates in a state of shock.

His business partner Maverick Carter once revealed the 6-foot-9 forward spends about $1.5 million a year to take care of his body and mind.

LeBron’s been using electrical stimulation, ice baths, heat pads, electrolyte-rich fluids, and specially designed diets while hardly leaving the gym to stay in shape and prolong his career.

He’s also been working with condition specialists — as well as organizing late shootarounds after underwhelming games and grueling offseason workouts himself.

That doesn’t mean the four-time NBA champion’s physique hasn’t changed over the years, even though he’s been listed at 250 pounds for most of his career.

LeBron proved to be physically capable of competing with NBA stars from the moment he stepped on the hardwood in his Cleveland Cavaliers debut.

But the St. Vincent-St. Mary alum bulked up significantly over the next few years.

James appeared to boast a particularly muscular frame in his four-year stint with the Miami Heat between 2010-2014 with many considering that to be the most dominant version of the Akron native.

Rumors in NBA circles believed claimed the four-time MVP weighed around 275 pounds at the time.

LeBron slimmed down significantly after he returned to Cleveland in 2014 having reportedly gone on a low-carb diet.

But while he might have not bulldozed opponents in the paint as he did in Miami, James was still almost impossible to stop and a nightmare to be guarded by.

He put his outrageous athleticism on display with the freak chase-down block on Andre Iguodala in the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

The iconic play is widely considered to be the turning point in the series, inspiring Cleveland’s fabled comeback from 3-1 down.

The 19-time All-Star has appeared to be heavier since moving his talents to Los Angeles in 2018 — with ex-Lakers teammate Stanley Johnson claiming King James could be approaching 300 pounds.

He’s also lost some pace and explosiveness entering his late 30s.

But while his body might be slowing down with age, LeBron’s managed to stay his dominant self by evolving his game.

James has been increasingly focusing on playmaking and his shooting abilities in recent years to make up for the dip in athleticism.

Capitalizing on his unmatched court vision and basketball IQ, he notably led the league in assists while inspiring the Lakers’ championship run in 2020, the franchise’s first title in 10 years.

Even if heavier, LeBron still boasts the body of a Greek god, though.

And he used the extra pounds to play center whenever the Lakers needed him to, showcasing his versatility.

The NBA GOAT has worked hard throughout his career to ensure his longevity, which has allowed him to break the NBA’s all-time scoring record.

He’s also just become the league’s first-ever player to reach 39,000 career points and one with the most minutes played when taking into account the regular season and playoffs.

In short, James has been the living embodiment of the fabled proverb that says: “No pain, no gain.”

James had a particularly muscular physique while with the Miami Heat with many considering that to be the most dominant version of the NBA superstarCredit: AP:Associated Press