LeBron James is known for his pre-game rituals but not many people have known who has influenced them.
Well, James recently revealed that Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is the one who influenced him when it comes to his rituals.
“Prime Time is the one who taught me: ‘Look good, feel good. Feel good, play good. Play good, they pay good.’ I still lay my uniform out on the floor and take a look at it before I put it on. I got that from Deion,” James said in a Sports Illustrated feature. “He always looked good on the field—and he didn’t just talk about it, he was about it. It was amazing to watch.”
These rituals have stayed with him throughout his career, along with his “chalk” one where he sends chalk into the air right before every game.
James continues to be one of the best players in the NBA, even at 38. He’s already averaging 25 points and seven rebounds per game this season and has led the Lakers to an 11-8 record.
As for Sanders, he led Colorado to four wins this season and has the program going in the right direction.