LeBron James Battles Arthritis

LeBron James is starting his 24th NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers, but a new report reveals the 41 year old superstar is battling significant physical pain. An ESPN report details his struggle with chronic arthritis in his left foot, adding to the back issues that sidelined him last year.

James is fighting time and his own body to chase a final championship. He meets his longtime athletic trainer, Mike Mancias, before 8 a.m. Each day at the Sixers' facility for extensive stretching and activation work before the 11 a.m. Team practice. His new teammate, VJ Edgecombe, noted James was the first player in the gym. The star himself has set a high bar, telling reporters at media day last week, "I didn't leave my family to lose in the second round."

James is living in New York City, nearly 100 miles from the Sixers' practice complex in New Jersey. To manage the commute, he is using a Leonardo AW139 helicopter provided by his sponsor, Fanatics, as part of a broad long-term deal. The 40 to 45 minute flight shaves over an hour off a car trip and is valued at up to $9,000 each way. The chopper's arrival and departure have become a noisy hallmark of the first days of Sixers training camp, a privilege previously reserved for team owner Josh Harris.

The team is adjusting to the intense spotlight that follows James. Staff relocated the media backdrop to accommodate over 50 credentialed reporters for his official first day, a scene far larger than usual. Coach Nick Nurse, entering his fourth season, said he has spoken with the team about staying connected while handling the heightened attention. Key players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey were absent from the court when media viewed practice on Tuesday, following their media day appearances.

Separately, LeBron's son, Bronny James, is entering his third season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now 21, he is embracing a more vocal leadership role as a point guard, a shift from his first two years when his father was the team's dominant voice. "I take pride in that, for sure," Bronny James said about organizing the offense and helping new teammates. He is tied for the third-longest tenure on a retooled Lakers squad.

• Health Management: LeBron James is dealing with chronic arthritis in his left foot and follows a rigorous daily pre-practice routine with trainer Mike Mancias.
• Luxury Commute: He travels from New York to Philadelphia via a sponsor-provided helicopter, a 40 minute flight that avoids a two hour car ride.
• Media Whirlwind: The Sixers' training camp has been transformed by increased media presence and logistical changes due to James's arrival.
• Family Focus: While LeBron starts a new chapter in Philadelphia, his son Bronny is growing into a veteran role and on-court leader for the Lakers.