Many of the great up-and-coming stars in the NBA today grew up watching Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. Now that they are in the league alongside him, some have been able to develop a real relationship with LeBron. One of those is Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey.
Maxey is a two-time All-Star and one of the best young guards in the league. He also has been able to workout with LeBron James many times during the offseason and, in an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” revealed that he and LeBron constantly compete over who will get to their workouts earlier:
.@TyreseMaxey and @KingJames try to one-up each other by seeing who arrives earlier to a workout 🤣 #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/HXtJoQhvWg
— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) March 25, 2026
Maxey is represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports, so the connection with LeBron makes sense. And his desire to get better and learn from one of the greatest players ever also comes off in this brief video clip. Maxey made it clear that he isn’t afraid or awestruck by competing against the Lakers superstar, but rather he is trying to beat him and all the rest of the greats throughout the league.
That desire to get to the workouts early and be in a full sweat by the time someone else arrives is very reminiscent of the stories told about Lakers icon Kobe Bryant, who was known for his maniacal work ethic. LeBron himself was witness to this, as were many other superstars who were part of the 2008 Olympic team, and many have told the stories of seeing Kobe already having completed workouts when everyone else was just getting out of bed.
Like Kobe, LeBron is also known for the work he puts in both on the court and into his body to ensure he can perform at the highest level when it’s game time. And Maxey is learning from one of the best when it comes to the work ethic needed to be an all-time great.
LeBron James discusses new role with Lakers
LeBron James may be the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, but he is taking fewer shots than ever as of late for the Lakers, embracing a third option role behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. When asked about his lack of shots LeBron simply noted that this is the role he needs to play in order for the Lakers to win.
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