LeBron James announces return for 21st NBA season after contemplating retirement
James made the announcement at Wednesday's ESPYs
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When his season ended, LeBron James admitted he was contemplating his NBA future.
Well, it seems like he's come to his senses - he announced on Wednesday night at the ESPYs that he will be returning for a 21st season.
James accepted the award for the Best Record-Breaking Performance of the last year, commemorating him passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time scorer when he made the announcement.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James tosses powder in the air prior to the team's NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
"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.
James said his retirement contemplation was no joke - in fact, he's been thinking about it for a while.
"In that moment, I'm asking myself if I can still play without cheating the game. Can I give everything to the game still? Truth is, I've been asking myself this question at the end of the season for a couple years now. I just never openly talked about it."
"I don't care how many more points I score or what I can and 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. "
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) meets with former player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after breaking the NBA all time scoring record against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo)
"Lucky for you guys, that day is not today."
James said his sons' passion for the game keeps him coming back every year - his oldest, Bronny, will play at USC next season and will likely be a first-round pick in 2024.
"And you know what brings me back every year is watching and coaching my boys and their teammates," James continued. "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."
Bronny James #6 of the West team talks to Lebron James of the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2023 McDonald's High School Boys All-American Game at Toyota Center on March 28, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
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James has long discussed his desire to play with Bronny.
James and his Los Angeles Lakers were swept in the Western Conference Finals by the eventual NBA champion Denver Nuggets, but not before upsetting the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors in the first two rounds.
In his 20th season, James averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists.