Los Angeles Notes: James, Doncic, Niederhauser, Dunn

LeBron James knew early in his career that the only thing that could stop him from being one of the game’s all-time greats was a lack of preparation. The 41-year-old James discussed his training regimen and dietary habits with Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.

“Obviously I didn’t know it would be 23 years. I didn’t know that, but I know I didn’t want to have no six- or seven-year career. I can’t become legendary in six or seven years,” he said. “I always had a mission. When I knew I could play this game at a high level, like, going to Chicago and playing with MJ [Michael Jordan] and all those guys when I was a sophomore [in high school]. And then when I went up to Cleveland and played against the Cavs when I was a junior and I was like, ‘Oh … I belong. I belong.’ I knew I still had to learn and I still had to continue to get my body right, continue to learn the game and nuances. But I was playing against NBA guys for a long time and I was like, ‘If I get the opportunity to crack the league, if I get the opportunity to showcase what I’m able to do, the only thing that can stop me is if I don’t take care of my body. The only thing that can stop me from being the greatest or one of the greatest to ever play this game is if I do not take care of myself.’ I did take care of my body. That’s it.”

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, a former Lakers assistant, marvels at James’ motivation to play at a high level for so long. James became the oldest player to record a triple-double this week.

“Physically, LeBron, he’s had some injuries, but he’s taken care of his body, he’s always prepared himself for the marathon,” Kidd said. “But I think it’s the mental side. I think that’s the hardest part is to wake up and say, ‘Do I need to go play against a 20-year-old or a 19-year-old?’ He’s won championships, he’s been MVP, he’s been the face of the league. He’s a billion-dollar company. So, it’s the mental side. Understanding that he loves competition and he loves the game of basketball. So I think for him to do it at 41 is incredible.”

Here’s more on the Los Angeles teams:

• Luka Doncic has been dealing with a hamstring issue but he’s still planning to participate in the All-Star contest on Sunday, Marc Stein of The Stein Line tweets. The Lakers guard will play for a limited number of minutes. He’s part of the World Team in the three-team event.
• Clippers rookie center Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who scored 11 points in Friday’s Rising Stars competition at All-Star weekend, credits Ivica Zubac, who was dealt to Cleveland last week, and Brook Lopez for facilitating his development. “Having this guidance from these vets, man, they’ll be helping me and knowing they got my back, knowing that they will teach me every day gives me a lot of confidence,” Niederhauser told Janis Carr of the Orange County Register. Niederhauser, the 30th pick of the draft out of Penn State, has appeared in 34 games this season, averaging 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 9.0 minutes off the bench.
• It’s been a chaotic season for the Clippers, including an ongoing league investigation, a horrible start and a roster makeover at the trade deadline. Kris Dunn admitted to Greg Beacham of the Los Angeles Times that it’s been a rollercoaster ride. “We’ve dealt with a lot this year,” he said. “Our whole mentality throughout the year has just been to try to find a way. It’s been tough.”