Antoine Walker: LeBron James Waited Hours to Play With Michael Jordan in Summer Workouts
Antoine Walker recently shared memories of Michael Jordan’s summer workouts, where a young LeBron James had to wait for hours to get the chance to play. Speaking on the Forgotten Seasons podcast, Walker recalled how, at just 16 years old, James found himself behind more experienced players in the lineup during these high-profile sessions.
Walker described how competitive these workouts were, recounting an instance where Ron Artest, while guarding Jordan, cracked one of MJ’s ribs. The intensity of the games was high, and even though LeBron was eager to join, the gym was packed with over 30 professional players, making it tough for the young James to get a spot on the court.
Despite this, LeBron has fondly recalled the opportunity to eventually play alongside Jordan, describing the thrill of scrimmaging with his basketball idol.
Michael Jordan’s Strict Workout Rules
Walker also shared details about the structured environment Jordan created for these workouts. He explained that after their sessions, the players would eat at Jordan’s restaurant, which was located just across from the gym. Although they could take weekends off, Jordan enforced strict rules during the week, even down to how they drank—players were not allowed to mix alcohol with sugary chasers.
Walker emphasized how much time they spent together, often training and bonding for 6-8 hours a day, which highlighted the serious commitment Jordan demanded from those in his circle.
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