Mike Mancias knows LeBron James better than most.
Mancias was a full-time assistant trainer with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 during James’ first pre-season in the NBA.
LeBron was selected No. 1 overall by the Cavs back in 2003Getty
Ever since then, Mancias has worked alongside King James as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer put together one of the greatest résumés in basketball history.
Mancias is now LeBron’s Chief Human Performance Advisor, and has developed a winning human-performance blueprint that encompasses everything from preventative medicine, strength training/ rehab, nutrition, and the latest in recovery techniques.
The 48-year-old recently reflected on his long-standing relationship with the NBA legend during an interview on the High Performance podcast.
At one point, Mancias was asked what one quality LeBron shares with basketball icons Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
James, a four-time NBA champion and four-time Finals MVP, is often compared with MJ in the greatest of all time discussions.
Bryant, a five time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, is also considered one of the greatest players in basketball history.
Mancias has spent time with all three and says they share one unifying trait.
“When they finally make a decision that they’re going to sacrifice to be the greatest, once they make that decision, then it’s game over,” he said.
“They’re willing to face down that journey of sacrifice.”
Bryant is a Lakers iconGetty
Jordan was undefeated in the NBA Finals, going 6-0Getty
The 39-year-old James has continued to defy Father Time and has often seemed immortal during his career.
He’s the oldest player in the NBA and it’s by no means an accident. Over the years James has earned a reputation as one of the most dedicated and hardest working athletes in the world.
LeBron is a family man, too, meaning he has managed to avoid many of the unwelcome off-court distractions that often plague other high profile athletes.
James has always had his eyes firmly fixed on basketball greatness.
Mancias says that ever since he met a 19-year-old LeBron, the basketball phenom has constantly worked to be the greatest he can be.
“It’s been a 20-year marriage,” Mancias says.
“And our goals align because we know what the end result is to be. And that’s just to be the greatest, and to be a champion. And so, every day, we challenge each other.”
“You know, ‘You need to be the best athlete, you need to be the best basketball player. I need to be the best athletic trainer for you.’ And so, every day, we challenge each other.”
Mancies (left) has worked with James for the past 20 yearsYouTube@@HighPerformancePodcast
He was then asked, “What did LeBron James say his goal was when you first met him?”
Mancias’ answer was “The Greatest of All Time”, before adding: “He [LeBron] was probably 19 or 20 years old when we had that conversation… I was only 24-25 at the time as well.”
“You know, I’m only 8 years older than he is… So I said, ‘Okay, let’s do the research, you know? What others have done, what has failed for others? And so, let’s just learn from other people’s mistakes, and let’s build our one journey.’”
LeBron is currently gearing up for his 22nd season in the NBA.
He has been named an All-Star a record 20 times, selected to the All-NBA Team 20 times (including 13 First Team selections), and the All-Defensive Team six times.
He’s scored more points than anybody else in NBA history and is fourth all-time in assists.
James holds many of the league’s longevity records and this season will play alongside eldest son Bronny, who was drafted by the Lakers in this year’s NBA Draft.
They are the first father-son duo in the history of the NBA to play on the same team, at the same time – another unique record LeBron happens to hold.
