Focus, Lakers James reveals strict family rules during the NBA Finals

Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James revealed strict family rules during the NBA Finals, namely concentration and regular routines.

As the NBA Finals continue, the Indiana Pacers lead the Oklahoma City Thunder 2-1. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James took time to reflect on his championship experience and revealed a personal strategy that shaped him to face the league's biggest stage.

In the latest episode of the podcast show Mind the Game, co-hosted by Hall of Fame member Steve Nash, James discusses a strict rule he has set for his family to watch NBA Finals games.

"Personally, I would never let my family come to the finals unless it was a key game," James said.

James explained that the core of his doing so was to stay focused and minimize distractions. Whether at home or away, unless the Lakers are about to win the series, he will keep his family away from the game.

"If we lead 3-1, or 3-3, it's like we played until Game 7 in the 2016 Finals. My family didn't come until Game 7," James said. "I don't want to change anything, obviously, if we have the chance to end that final... the family will be there. Besides that, I let them stay at home, especially on the road."

LeBron James set strict family rules during the NBA Finals

James stressed that family attending high-stakes events, especially on the road, may affect his high-intensity preparation and concentration. He pointed out that possible events in the stands were one of the factors.

"I don't want my family to travel during the Finals, I not only focus on myself, but also lead my team and make sure my teammates are all out," he said. “If something happened to my family in the stands, I could easily lose focus.” James added that the interaction between fans and his loved ones — whether it’s targeting his wife, children or mother — could quickly shift his attention away from the game.

"They would say something to my mom. Unless it was a huge score game, my family would stay at home," he said. "I've always done this and it works well in a few Finals games."

40-year-old James has won the NBA championship four times and won the Finals MVP four times. In his 22-year career, he has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers, and has made 10 NBA Finals. His focus and preparation at these moments are often considered key to his continued success at the highest level.

The Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, but are expected to reorganize around James and newly joined defender Luca Doncic in the offseason. James has a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. He has not announced whether he plans to return to play for his 23rd season.