How Does LeBron James’ Return Improve the Lakers’ Odds?
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Edgar Chaput
The ESPYs were held on Wednesday night, with big names like Patrick Mahomes and Jamal Murray on hand to be part of the glitz and the glamour and receive some awards. One of the biggest moments was not necessarily what NBA superstar LeBron James won but his announcement that he will in fact play a 21stseason this coming campaign.
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LeBron James Says He’ll Play 21st NBA Season
The legend in the making was being honoured at the ceremony for surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for points scored in the NBA. After receiving the award for Best Record-Breaking Performance and upon delivering his acceptance speech, James provided the answer to the question on so many peoples’ lips.
“I don’t care how many more points I score or what I can or cannot do on the floor. 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.”
The crowd applauded and James returned the gesture with smile of appreciation. He was presented with the award by his wife Savanah, with their three children on stage as well. Bronny James, 18, is said to be eyeing an NBA Draft selection in the very near future, prompting speculation that his father would try to find a way to be on the same team as his son, albeit only for a season. How much credence there is to that, who knows. But it would be a nice moment and, when it comes to LeBron James, it’s best not to underestimate what he can pull off.
An interesting tidbit James shared while giving his speech was that, although he didn’t admit to it publicly, the idea of retirement entered his mind at the end of the past few seasons. In his post-game press conference after getting swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals he gave an answer that sounded as though retirement this summer was a serious option. That was a first coming from him, again, publicly.
The Los Angeles Lakers are probably delighted they have the four-time champion returning for at least a year. In 2022-2023 they turned a slow start around with a valiant playoff push. L.A. earned a play-in spot, took care of business, and went to eliminate both the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors in six games.