Four-time NBA champion LeBron James announced he would play another season for the Los Angeles Lakers, ending uncertainty around his immediate future.
The 38-year-old superstar revealed his intentions on stage at The ESPYS on Wednesday night after accepting the record-breaking performance award for becoming the NBA’s career scoring leader.
At the end of last season, the 19-time All-Star said he wasn’t sure if he would be back playing for the 17-time champions. However, his ESPYS acceptance speech has allayed any worries surrounding that.
“I don’t care how many more points I score or what I can and cannot do on the floor,” the Lakers star said. “The real question for me is can I play without cheating this game?”
“The day I can’t give the game everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys that day is not today.
“So yeah, I still got something left,” he said. “A lot left.”
James, who surpassed Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder back in February, was presented his trophy by his wife Savannah, sons Bronny and Bryce, and daughter Zhuri.
The former Cleveland Cavaliers forward also returned to the stage with longtime friends Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade to honour Carmelo Anthony, who recently retired after a 19-year career.
In the just concluded season, James, a four-time NBA champion who won a title with the Lakers in 2020, led them to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to eventual winners the Denver Nuggets.
He would, however, be hoping his return to the Lakers for the new season, his 21st in the league, helps the team win a record 18th championship.
