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[Saba Sports News] LeBron James is weighing in on what he sees as a major issue in youth sports today.
On the latest episode of his Mind the Game podcast, the Los Angeles Lakers star shared his thoughts on how early specialization is negatively affecting young athletes. James argued that kids are burning out by focusing too soon on just one sport.
“Me and my guys, we ran track and field when we were super young,” said James. “We played football all the way through high school. We didn’t just cap it at one thing all year round. I think a lot of kids, they burn the hell out.”
James speaks from experience. In addition to basketball, he played wide receiver in high school and has often credited his background in multiple sports for shaping his athletic development. Now, as the father of 20-year-old Bronny (his new Lakers teammate) and 17-year-old Bryce, he’s seen firsthand how youth sports culture has evolved.
LeBron’s point echoes the paths of other all-time greats — Michael Jordan played baseball and football in his youth, while Wilt Chamberlain excelled in track and field. Today, the pressure for kids to specialize early may rob them not only of long-term enjoyment but also the chance to discover which sport they’re truly best at.
This also ties into a broader critique of modern AAU culture, with its relentless schedule and often questionable emphasis on fundamentals — a concern the late Kobe Bryant frequently voiced as well.