As the NBA playoffs approach, the spotlight is once again on LeBron James, the 41-year-old superstar who continues to defy age and expectations. His former teammate, Channing Frye, has shared his perspective on the King’s mindset ahead of the 2026 postseason.
LeBron James: A Champion’s Mindset
Frye, who won a championship with James on the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, has emphasized that the only thing on LeBron’s mind is winning. He has dismissed any concerns about age, stating that it’s merely a number. Frye’s words come as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for their first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets, a series that has taken on added significance with injuries to key players Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Despite his age, LeBron has had enough success to span 10 NBA careers. However, Frye insists that this doesn’t mean James is content with a less-than-adequate performance. He believes that the Lakers must keep the season alive, providing a reason for Dončić and Reaves to return and contribute.
The Lakers’ Road to the Playoffs
Dončić and Reaves are currently sidelined due to hamstring and oblique injuries, respectively. Lakers coach JJ Redick has stated that both players are out indefinitely and that there will be no updates this week. Frye remains optimistic about the Lakers’ chances, despite the team’s current situation.
Frye has expressed his belief that the Rockets must win the series, while the Lakers are playing with








