Ending speculation about his future, NBA star LeBron James affirmed on Wednesday that he is not yet ready to retire and still maintains his love for basketball.
After the Los Angeles Lakers lost in the Western Conference finals to eventual champions Denver in May, reports were suggesting James was considering walking away from the sport. However, during his speech at the ESPY awards ceremony, James put any concerns to rest.
James, who recently surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the league’s all-time leading scorer, stated that his focus is not on personal achievements but on playing the game with integrity. He expressed that the day he cannot give everything on the court will be the day he retires, but that day is not today.
Emphasizing his commitment to the game, James noted that he has never cheated on the sport and will never take it for granted. He acknowledged his upcoming 20th year of playing basketball and reiterated his dedication to giving his all on the court.
While there have been suggestions that James may want to play in the NBA alongside his sons, particularly his eldest son Bronny James, who will soon play college basketball, he dismissed those claims. Instead, he highlighted that coaching his sons and their teammates rejuvenates his enthusiasm for the game.
James reflected on his contemplation after the Lakers’ loss to the Nuggets, revealing that he has asked himself similar questions at the end of previous seasons. He acknowledged that he had kept these thoughts private in the past but decided to address them this time openly.
Having signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers last August, James is committed to the team until the 2024-2025 season. He concluded by asserting that he still has plenty left to offer on the basketball court.
