The usage of performance-enhancing drugs by athletes has long been a subject of debate, with a few of the biggest stars in skilled sports coming under fire. LeBron James is taken into account considered one of the best basketball players ever, arguably the very best ever next to Michael Jordan. One of the crucial charming facets of LeBron is his incredible physique at 6’8” and 250 lbs of lean shredded muscle that seems to get well with age.
Even at age 38, LeBron is as fit and robust as anyone within the league, which has led to performance enhancer allegations over time. Although LeBron has never failed a drug test, some people like UFC legend Chael Sonnen have openly accused him. In this text, we’ll explore LeBron James’ physique and why he has faced steroid accusations, in addition to answer if he’s on steroids.
Table of Contents
- LeBron James Steroid Accusations
- Lebron James and Steroid Use: What We Know
- Biogenesis Investigation
- LeBron James Physique
- LeBron Steroid FAQs
- The Truth: Is LeBron James On Steroids?
LeBron James Steroid Accusations
Briefly, we do not know if LeBron is on steroids. Through the years there have been people within the media to call out LeBron for possible steroid use, although there isn’t any proof. One of the crucial outspoken accusers is former MMA fighter Chael Sonnen. Since retirement from fighting, Chael has spent most of his time as a fight analyst and podcaster, often speaking about other athletes.
Sonnen was suspended in 2010 after a drug test revealed his testosterone levels were almost 17 times higher than the traditional range. He was suspended for one yr for the violation after which failed a second test in 2013, essentially ending his profession.¹
Regarding LeBron, Sonnen claims that James purchased steroids from Sonnen’s own steroid source. In a February 2023 episode of Andrew Schulz’s podcast FLAGRANT, Sonnen claims, “We’ve the identical drug guy, I do know exactly what he’s doing.” Sonnen suggests that steroid use may not be so simple as taking testosterone because there are several banned substances which have positive effects. “They got some performance enhancers, like if the world understood what LeBron did, like other basketball players will hear what LeBron does and go ‘yeah that doesn’t matter.’ If you happen to knew what these performance enhancers did, you’ll know why it DOES matter.” (1:41 in video below)
Considered one of the “under-the-radar” performance enhancers that Sonnen claims LeBron and other athletes, resembling Tiger Woods, use known as erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is a naturally produced hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, which helps the body transport oxygen from the lungs to the muscles faster. The upper red blood cell count increases aerobic capability and endurance, allowing the athlete to coach harder and longer.
That is the explanation why athletes and Olympians train at high altitudes, because it has the identical effect and stimulates red blood cell production as a consequence of the lower oxygen levels within the air. Sonnen continued, “EPO matters; it’s the explanation LeBron takes it. EPO increases your red blood cells, providing you with endurance to play all game long. You’ll be able to shoot the fourth quarter similar to you shot the fourth minute. It’s the king of performance enhancers.”
These are obviously serious accusations, however it’s essential to notice there’s zero actual evidence, and Sonnen will not be essentially the most reliable source. When you think about the long-term damage to his brain from repeated shots to the top, coupled together with his own failed steroid tests, it’s hard to take his word for it.
Lebron James and Steroid Use: What We Know
Steroid accusations are one of the damaging an athlete can face, especially considered one of LeBron’s stature, which only a few ever reach. Before accusing LeBron, or anyone for that matter, it’s essential to consider their genetics, emphasis on health, training routine, food plan, and complement use.
1. Genetics:
LeBron has been within the national highlight from a young age, leading his Eighth-grade AAU basketball team to the finals of a serious national tournament. He famously appeared on the duvet of Sports Illustrated at age 17 with the caption “The Chosen One.” At age 17, as a junior in highschool, LeBron was ranked because the primary highschool player in America and touted as a generational talent.
He has incredible muscle growth and already resembled a totally grown man together with his 6’7” 225-lb frame at that young age. His incredible genetics have been visible from day one, and is further solidified by his children’s success. LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny, is a 6’3” freshman on the University of Southern California basketball team and has a muscular frame harking back to his dads. His other son, Bryce, is already 6’6” as a 16-year-old junior and in addition a top-rated recruit. The self-proclaimed “James’ gang” clearly won the genetic lottery.
2. Dedication To His Body
LeBron has at all times done an ideal job protecting his family from the highlight, as he rarely offers insight into his personal life. It’s well-known across the NBA and amongst serious basketball fans that LeBron is a freak regarding the dedication and investment into his body. In a report from Business Insider, LeBron’s business partner Maverick Carter revealed that he spends roughly 1.5 million dollars a yr on his body.²
This report was from 2018, so between inflation and technological advances, we are able to assume it’s closer to the two million figure by now. The 1.5 million dollar cost is alleged to cover his home gym, personal trainers, massage therapists, personal chef/nutritionist, appliances, and other routine costs associated together with his physique.
The report also revealed that LeBron was considered one of the primary skilled athletes to take a position in a cryo chamber, a machine that uses liquid nitrogen to simulate a more efficient ice bath. He has also been shown to make use of a hyperbaric chamber, which helps deliver more oxygen to the body to extend recovery. He can often be seen in pregame and post-game videos with a physiotherapist stretching or getting a massage.
He wears a compression sleeve and shorts during every game, and uses compression boots to assist stimulate blood flow to enhance recovery. LeBron strategically uses all of the legal resources available to enhance his longevity and maintain his powerful physique.
3. Training and Weight loss plan
As we just mentioned, a big portion of his body expenses are tied to his food plan and training regimen. LeBron has a private chef who creates a balanced food plan plan based on his specific needs. His food plan is pretty easy, high in protein and many vegetables. He has said he tries to avoid pork and sugar but treats himself to the occasional splurge. His one vice is a love for wine, which serves as a social hobby and solution to decompress mentally from his every day grind.
Just as he keeps it easy together with his food plan, LeBron also sticks to basics together with his weight-lifting training. His workouts are catered to his basketball game, emphasizing developing functional muscle within the core, balance, and suppleness. He follows a five-day split as follows:
- Day 1: Push (Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps)
- Day 2: Conditioning, Yoga, Core
- Day 3: Pull (Back, Biceps, and Traps)
- Day 4: Conditioning, Yoga, Core
- Day 5: Lower Body (Quads, Hamstrings, Calves)
To learn more about LeBron James’ workout program, take a look at our article What Is The LeBron James Workout Routine and Weight loss plan?
4. Supplements
LeBron is the co-owner of the sports nutrition company LADDER with Arnold Schwarzenegger. LeBron has stated that he uses the next LADDER products: Whey Protein powder, Plant Protein powder, Premium Pre-workout, Premium Hydration, and Superfood Greens powder.
When you think about it’s literally his job to coach his body at the best level combined with a billion-dollar net value, spending $1.5 to 2 million dollars a yr is a slight drop within the James’ bucket. It’s an investment into his craft that earns him $47.6 million on the court and an estimated $80 million annually off the court, which translates to over a 100x return on investment. That may be a no-brainer and demonstrates why caring for the body needs to be a top priority for all athletes.
Biogenesis Investigation
While steroid rumors have occasionally been mentioned throughout this profession, there was nothing of substance until September 2023 when LeBron was connected to the Biogenesis Investigation.
In September, an ESPN article released latest documents that linked LeBron’s longtime friend and chief of staff, Randy Mims, to the DEA investigation of the Biogenesis Clinic. The Biogenesis Investigation first made waves in 2014 when 21 skilled baseball players within the MLB were suspended, including Alex Rodriguez, Nelson Cruz, and Ryan Braun. The brand new federal documents named latest athletes, resembling Paul “The Big Show” Wight from the WWE, in addition to Ernest “Randy” Mims and David Alexander as two of the individuals to receive performance-enhancing drugs.
David Alexander is a private trainer who worked with James’ during his time in Miami and LeBron’s wife from time to time. Nonetheless, it’s essential to notice that they found zero evidence that the drugs were connected to LeBron – it was pure coincidence. “There was never any indication that LeBron James did anything incorrect,” in accordance with the DEA lead investigator.³ Mims was caught purchasing testosterone and metabolism-raising drugs, but he swore they were for private use, which he only used for 3 months.
Being in the identical circle in Miami, Alexander used the identical drug guy (Carlos Acevedo) as Mims, which was also said to be for private use. Although the DEA cleared LeBron of any wrongdoing, it still isn’t an ideal look, being so closely connected to individuals who handle anabolic steroids. Considering the DEA had full access to all phone and computer records, there isn’t any reason to doubt that LeBron had received any steroids or other banned substances.
LeBron James Physique
LeBron James recruiting evaluation from scouts at all times had some type of “a person amongst boys” or an analogous nod to his physique. At 18 years old, LeBron stood 6’8” and 240 lbs of lean muscle and raw athleticism. LeBron has perfected his body for basketball, having sculpted his muscles to endure playing 40-plus minutes while having the strength to fireside full-court passes or explode off the bottom to dunk over someone.
His basketball game has at all times catered to his powerful construct, as he can bully his massive frame down the court and explode to the basket together with his 44-inch vertical jump (NBA average vertical jump is 28 inches).
LeBron progressively got stronger and dedicated more resources to his body to preserve his body to face up to over 20 years of competing at the best level. If you think about highschool, LeBron has been understanding consistently for nearly 25 years! Even someone with poor genetics would have a tremendous physique after twenty-plus years of consistent weight training and exercise.
Throughout history, the typical NBA profession is roughly 4.5 years, and within the 2022-2023 season, the typical player was 26 years old. LeBron is currently the oldest man within the league, turning 39 on December 30, 2023.⁴
LeBron Steroid FAQs
Does LeBron take steroids?
No, there isn’t any proof ever to indicate that LeBron used steroids. He’s genetically gifted and very dedicated to his body.
What supplements does LeBron James use?
LeBron uses whey protein powder, a plant-based protein powder, a pre-workout formula, an electrolytes-based hydration product, and a superfoods green mixture that accommodates vitamins and nutrients.
What’s LeBron’s food plan like?
LeBron’s food plan consists of lean proteins, protein shakes, complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables. He normally eats three meals every day, just a few protein shakes, and a snack.
Is it possible to seem like LeBron without steroids?
LeBron is genetically gifted with a few of the very best genes conceivable, and he has consistently trained for over 20 years. With years of a balanced food plan and proper strength training routine, it is feasible without steroids.
The Truth: Is LeBron James On Steroids?
Based on all of the facts, there is totally zero reason to consider LeBron James is on steroids. LeBron is blessed with a few of the very best genetics now we have ever seen in skilled sports and a relentless work ethic. With the NBA consistently testing players, it’s highly unlikely someone using drugs can avoid a positive test. LeBron has never tested positive on a drug test in his 21-year profession, and the DEA cleared him after an investigation, finding no proof of using performance-enhancing drugs at any point in his profession.
Considering the entire aspects, it is obvious that LeBron James doesn’t need steroids and has never used them. From the time he first appeared within the national highlight in Eighth grade, LeBron has at all times been known for his incredible genetics and naturally muscular physique. He has consistently worked out and played basketball every day for over 25 years.
Add in the very best personal trainers, chefs, doctors, gyms, and technology available to man, you create the machine often called King James. With the all-time scoring record, 4 championship rings, 4 MVP trophies, and countless records, LeBron’s legacy is firmly cemented as probably the greatest of all time.
He stands to lose every part, from his endorsements to game check to legacy, if he’s caught using performance-enhancing drugs. He has no reason to make use of them, there isn’t any evidence to suggest he has used them, and we firmly consider that he never used steroids.
