When his season ended, LeBron James admitted he was contemplating his NBA future. He suffered a serious foot injury in the second half of the 2022-2023 season and suffered a crushing sweep by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
During an award ceremony for the Best Record-Breaking Performance of last year, he made the announcement that, despite his initial doubts, he would return to play another season in the NBA.
“I don’t care how many more points I score,” said James. “Or what I can or can’t do on the floor. The real question for me is: Can I play without cheating this game? The day that I can’t give the game everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, the day is not today.”
The Los Angeles Lakers forward said his retirement contemplation was no joke and he’s been thinking about it for a while.
“When the season ended, I said I wasn’t sure if I was gonna keep playing, and I know a lot of experts told you guys what I said, but I’m here now speaking for myself,” James said.
Even though James still has two years left on his contract with the purple and gold, many basketball fans had the fear that he was going to hang it up.
"Lucky for you guys, that day is not today."
Go off, Bron 😂 pic.twitter.com/4X1Fqs0PqX
— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2023
In 55 games with the Lakers, LeBron James averaged 29 points, eight boards and six assists. He still hangs with the best of them at 38-years-old.
James said his sons’ passion for the game keeps him coming back every year. His oldest son, Bronny, will play at USC next season.
“I see those kids, and it brings me right back to why I play. Those kids get me back to where I need to be – just the pure love of this beautiful game. So yeah, I still got something left. A lot left.”
