Overview
- On his Mind the Game podcast, James said he cut out wine, liquor and desserts through November and extended the streak until New Year’s.
- He framed the abstinence as a way to fast‑track rehab and test his discipline as he worked back from a right‑side sciatica issue.
- James returned on Nov. 18 and entered the All‑Star break averaging 22.0 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds over 36 starts.
- The Lakers were 33–21 at the break, with James, 41, occasionally skipping one half of back‑to‑back sets this season.
- ESPN and others amplified the podcast clip on social media, and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark commented, “I’d rather retire than do this. This is why he’s him.”