LeBron James Announces Return for 21st NBA Season at ESPYS
July 12, 2023 – Los Angeles, CA
In a surprising announcement at the ESPYS in Los Angeles, LeBron James revealed that he will not be retiring from basketball and will be returning for his 21st NBA season. The Los Angeles Lakers star had openly contemplated retirement after the team’s playoff elimination by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals. However, James made it clear that he still has more to give to the game.
By continuing his career, James joins an elite group of players who have played 21 seasons or more in the NBA. Players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, and Vince Carter, who holds the record with 22 seasons, have also achieved this milestone. The announcement solidifies James’ legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
During the ESPYS, James received the Best Record-Breaking Performance Award for surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the league’s all-time leading scorer. After accepting the award, James expressed his determination to continue playing at a high level. He stated, “The real question for me is: Can I play without cheating this game? The day I can’t give everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.”
James was accompanied onstage by his wife, Savannah, and their three children. He took the opportunity to reflect on the influence his children have had on his passion for the game. His eldest son, Bronny Jr., will be playing for the USC basketball team, and his other son, Bryce, transferred to Campbell Hall High School to play his junior season. James recently coached Bryce’s AAU team at a tournament in South Carolina.
LeBron James has dedicated his entire career to the game of basketball, and he showed gratitude towards his fans and teammates while accepting the award. He stated, “Every time I step foot on the floor, I want to give it everything. I do it for myself, my teammates, and all the greats that came before me. And most importantly, I do it for the fans, the lovers of the game.”
Addressing the audience, James acknowledged that not everyone may love him, but he expects their respect for the way he approaches the game and the contributions he has made. He also explained the doubts he had about his future in the sport following the Lakers’ playoff exit. However, his love for the game and the inspiration he draws from his children ultimately led him to make the decision to return.
LeBron James concluded his speech by expressing his gratitude to his fans and supporters. He ended with a powerful statement, saying, “You know what brings me back every year? It’s watching and coaching my boys and their teammates. 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. I love you all, and thank you so much for watching this journey so far.”
As James prepares for his 21st season, basketball fans can eagerly anticipate witnessing more memorable moments from one of the game’s all-time greats.