LeBron James on What Playing in First Back-to-Back Means to Him

LeBron James reminded everyone why longevity like his has never been accidental.

For the first time in the 2026 calendar year, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar suited up on the second night of a back-to-back, following a loss to the Sacramento Kings with a dominant win over the Atlanta Hawks.

After the Lakers’ 141-116 victory on January 13, , and why he believes preparation is non-negotiable at this stage of his career.

“I would never disrespect the basketball gods and understand that it is a real thing,” James said in a video ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin shared of James explaining why playing both games mattered to him. “You know, I would never disrespect the basketball gods when they come to playing this game. So, I put the time and effort into commitment, mentally, physically, spiritually, you know, every time I hit the floor or practice, whatever case that may be. Be trying to set the example for my teammates and the younger generation, as watching me, watching me all through my career. My son is over there, and I can’t afford to cheat the game ever. And, I’d never do that and I got to set an example for him over there.”

“I would never disrespect the Basketball Gods when it comes to playing this game. So I put the time and the effort and the commitment in … as Jay-Z would say, if you can’t respect that, your whole perspective is whack, and maybe you’ll love me when I fade to black.” pic.twitter.com/gbsJdHggWp

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 14, 2026

James then punctuated the moment by borrowing a line from one of his favorite cultural touchstones, invoking Jay‑Z to underline his mindset.

“You know, as Jay-Z would say, ‘if you can’t respect that, your whole perspective is whack, and maybe you’ll love me when I fade to black.’”

James finished with 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists against Atlanta, narrowly missing a triple-double while controlling the game from start to finish.