(CNN) — Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ Western Conference Finals loss to the Denver Nuggets in May, LeBron James hinted at a possible retirement after telling reporters he had “a lot on his mind.”
This Wednesday, during the 2023 ESPYS Awards ceremony, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer announced he would be returning to the Lakers for his 21st season in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
“I don’t care how many more points I score or what I can or can’t do on the court. The real question for me is can I play without cheating in this game? The day I can’t give the game my all on the floor is the day which I’ll end up in. Luckily for you, the day isn’t today,” James said.
The crowd at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles erupted in massive cheers.
James has repeatedly stated that he hoped to one day play in the NBA alongside his oldest son, Bronny James, who is busy playing college basketball at the University of Southern California. James could enter the NBA draft in 2024, the year his father turns 40.
“And you know the thing that brings me back every year is watching and coaching my guys and their teammates,” James continued. “I see those kids and I remember why I play. Those kids take me back to where I need to be, just pure love for this beautiful game. So yeah, I have some left. I still have a lot.”
The 38-year-old received the record performance award for passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s leading scorer last season.
