During a 15-minute news conference hours before Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game, Lakers legend LeBron James did not directly address reports that he turned down an offer to join Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors, but he did say he would like to complete his career in Los Angeles.
“I am a Laker, and I’ve been very happy being a Laker for the last six years, and hopefully that continues,” said James, who is ready to make a record-breaking 20th appearance in the exhibition. “I don’t know how long it will be or what outfit I’ll be wearing. Hopefully it’s with the Lakers. It’s a fantastic organization with so many amazing people. We will see. I’m not sure how it will finish, but it’s coming. It’s definitely coming.”
The 39-year-old’s exact timeline is unknown. James has a $51.4 million player option to return to the Lakers next season. He has the option of declining the agreement and re-signing in Los Angeles or entering unrestricted free agency.
“I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left,” he replied. “I know it’s not that many.”
James is also unclear whether he wants to conclude his career with a farewell tour or, as he put it, “just Tim Duncan it.” The answer may surprise you coming from someone who has been the face of the league for the most of his 21 seasons.
“I’m 50-50,” he explained. “I am going to be honest. There are moments when I feel as if I owe it to my fans who have been with me for over two decades to be able to provide them with that moment, where it’s every city and they give you their flowers or anything. That looks cool, but I’ve never been very good at accepting compliments. It’s a strange feeling for me. I’ve never really discussed it much.
“It’s just a weird feeling for me,” he said in a rare moment of candor. “I don’t know how I’d feel if I had to go to each city — I’ve seen Michael [Jordan’s], Kobe [Bryant’s], and a lot of guys’ [farewell tours].” I’m not sure I’d feel good about it. Maybe I’m the only child in me. I do not know.”
James rested the final game before the All-Star break due to peroneal tendinopathy in his left ankle. He has gotten therapy in recent days and will play on Sunday, but has stated, “I won’t be playing the entire game.”
“I’m trying to get my ankle as strong and back to where I feel confident I can finish these last 30 games of the season,” said James, whose Lakers (30-26) are presently eighth in the Western Conference. “I’ll go out there and run around with the young boys for a while, then stop to give my ankle another chance to rest. I’ll be seeking additional therapy tomorrow and throughout the week, as we don’t play until the end of the week. I’ll see how that unfolds, but the most important thing for me is my health… I’m trying to do what’s best for me and the team.”
When the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the eventual champion Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference playoffs last season, James hinted at his retirement. He intends to return to the Olympics for the fourth time after this season.
“I told myself before the season when I committed to being a part of the Olympic team, obviously it was all predicated on my health,” he told ESPN. “As of right now, I’m healthy enough to be on the team and perform at the level I know I’m capable of. There is still time left in the season. Obviously, I’m not sure what the future holds for the postseason.
“[The Olympics] have 11 games, but they last 5 1/2 weeks, which means more mileage on these tires. If I’m committed, which I am, to Team USA, I’ll devote my mind, body, and soul to being out there for Team USA, representing our country with the utmost respect.”