Back-to-backs have been a staple of the NBA since the dawn of the league in the mid-20th century. It tests how teams can handle the effects of travel and different surroundings while continuing to play at a high level.
However, there are things that tend to get on the players’ nerves while they are away from their home arena. It was no different for Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton and Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James.
What Tyrese Haliburton, LeBron James Hate About Back-to-Backs
Haliburton continues to progress in his rehab from a torn Achilles, which he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He shone as one of the best performers in that postseason, giving Indiana its best season since 2000.
However, his severe injury will keep him out for the entire 2025-26 season. In the meantime, he has been on the Pacers’ bench throughout games, supporting his teammates, even though the team has struggled without his on-court presence.
Haliburton featured as a special guest on the Mind The Game podcast, hosted by James. They discussed multiple topics throughout the Jan. 27 episode, where they discussed the one thing that constantly bothers them throughout their respective careers, particularly about back-to-backs.
“It didn’t matter if I was coming home, it didn’t matter we was going to a different city. It didn’t matter the time zone, just, you know, the back-to-backs they wear on you just because of the travel. All the minutes I’ve played, all the cities I’ve continued to go to each and every year. And I think one thing that doesn’t get talked about a lot as well, too, is, like, all the different beds that we have to sleep in,” James said.
“That’s the worst thing,” Haliburton replied.
“That’s hard on your body. Different pillows, different beds, that is taxing on your body, too…So I would say over the last three years, [Tyrese], just try to figure it out. How can I get my body acclimated? How can I get my body recovered? How can I get my body fully [healed]?
“It’s not gonna get to 100; you’re not gonna get a full gas tank on those back-to-backs. But you could try to get as close to 100 as possible, to go out there and perform,” James responded.
James is used to playing in back-to-backs, racking up 23 seasons’ worth of them. Haliburton has been in the league for six years since 2020, but is right to point out the difficulties of maintaining a high level of play throughout those stretches.
Nonetheless, they have figured out ways to perform well as two of the best players in the NBA. Back-to-backs may remain in the league for the long term, but players will find ways to persevere through those challenges and develop resiliency throughout their respective careers.
