A former NFL champion has ignited controversy by suggesting LeBron James‘ ability to remain elite at age 41 is not natural, fueling debate about longevity, training, and transparency in modern professional sports.
The accusation comes as James continues to defy age curves in his 23rd NBA season, logging heavy minutes and producing at an All-NBA level, a reality that has stunned even former pro athletes.
LeBron James receives an “interesting” look from Candace Parker while venting to Dwyane Wade
Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Korey Toomer made the claim publicly while discussing how aging has affected his own body since retirement from football.
“LeBron on steroids,” Toomer said on the Groupchat podcast. “I’m 37, we had some pickup games, after the pickup games I’m hurting bro, like bad.”
Toomer doubled down by alleging performance-enhancing drug use while insisting fans should not be upset with his opinion.
“He’s on something. He’s on steroids. He’s on them, peptides. He’s on it and they are letting him get away with it; they are letting him get away with taking steroids.”
Toomer, a Super Bowl XLVIII winner with Seattle, played five NFL seasons and appeared in 53 games, later bouncing between multiple teams before retiring, giving his comments added weight in online circles.
LeBron hits back at Jeanie Buss
While the PED claim spread, James was simultaneously addressing separate reports about internal tension with Los Angeles Lakers leadership and speculation surrounding his future with the franchise.
James dismissed the surrounding noise, making clear he is unmoved by outside opinions or constant scrutiny tied to his status and influence after ESPN claimed Jeanie Buss felt he had gained too much influence within the organization.
“I don’t really care about the reports, to be honest,” James said. “Since I’ve been here, my eighth year here [in L.A.], been in this league 23 years.
“Quite frankly, I don’t really care about articles,” James said. “I don’t care about stories. I don’t care about podcasts and all that type of s**t.”
James emphasized perspective, family, and personal peace over reputation battles, reinforcing his veteran mindset.
“Nah, they don’t bother me,” James added, of rumors. “I’m 41 years old, and I watch golf every day. I don’t care about an article.”
For what it’s worth, Buss also played off the ESPN claims by suggesting it was unfair to herself and Lebron, as well as suggesting it overlooked the successful aspects of their sporting relationship.
“It’s really not right,” Buss said to The Athletic. Given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama.
“To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”
Buss remains a governor and minority owner of the Lakers, after serving as the team president upon the passing of her father in 2013.
