LeBron James and JJ Redick(Image via mindthegamepod/Instagram)

LeBron James was highly rated in high school, winning praise and national attention from a young age. His journey in the NBA has even been more remarkable, stemming from his easy understanding of the game and the ability to make complex plays look easy.

He has attributed this trait to his high IQ. The four-time NBA champion is widely regarded as one of the players with the all-time highest IQ. He used his latest portfolio, his podcast with JJ Redick, “Mind the Game” to shed light on his advanced knowledge of the beautiful game.

LeBron James, on the podcast’s first episode, asked co-host Redick if having a high basketball knowledge or IQ, results from being in-built or born with or mainly as a result of continuous training and development, in summary, nature or nurture.

However, the 39-year-old went further to say he had the opportunity to work with the best coaches. But was always told that he was the best they’ve coached due to his ability to process information and details faster. He was referring to his game knowledge as God-given.

I think I was born with a sports IQ, and it could've been any sport. But I just think basketball was the one that I chose, and maybe I was chosen to do that as well. And I just took it to a whole [nother level].

LeBron James said on Mind the Game podcast

No doubt, playing at an elite level requires a mixture of talent and hard work, a trait that has characterized the career of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, James. Even at 39, he still turns up with outstanding performances. No wonder he was branded the ‘Chosen One.’
Related: LeBron James speaks highly of Patrick Mahomes as he compares the Chiefs QB to Steph Curry 

Former player Gilbert Arenas also confirms LeBron James’ high IQ

Former Golden State Warriors player, Gilbert Arenas, a well-known James critic, testified of his IQ during a podcast episode called “The Ringer NBA Show.” He recalled their first meeting in a house with former Celtics legend Larry Bird.
LeBron James (image via LakerNation/X)
Arenas stated:

When I first walked in, right? He had four TVs with the TiVo inside of ’em, and it looked like a sports bar where he’s watching everything: high school basketball, girls basketball, soccer, like, it was a machine-like mind where he’s watching everything. And that’s what we lost to, we lost to someone who was just smarter than us.

Gilbert Arenas said via The Ringer NBA show

From that point, Arenas had already seen greatness in James. He witnessed an athlete passionate about knowing the minute details of how things should work—constantly studying and improving himself in an ever-evolving league.

Furthermore, James has used this to his advantage as it has served him long. It is the reason for his longevity at 39 and not appearing to slow down. No wonder Arenas deemed his mind machine-like.