2023-07-13 13:50:00
Denver’s resounding 4-0 victory over the Lakers last May in the NBA Western Conference finals set off the alarm. LeBron James, one of the most outstanding basketball players of all time and a figure of the Los Angeles team, left open the possibility of retirement. “If I will continue with basketball? We’ll see what happens from now on. Don’t know. I have a lot to think regarding, to be honest,” said James, 38, at the press conference following the last game once morest the Nuggets.
The frustration of LeBron James, last May, following the loss of the Lakers once morest Denver, in the NBA playoffs, which put the future of the American star in doubt
Until then, LeBron had always made it clear that he intended to continue playing in the NBA and that his desire was to continue in the American league until he played with his 18-year-old son Bronny, who can be selected in the 2024 Draft. The words ( the doubts, above all) of LeBron following the shocking fall of the Lakers worried the world fans of number 6 in Los Angeles. They were also a wake-up call for the NBA market, which has one of its current stars in James, along with Stephen Curry (Golden) and Nikola Jokic (Denver), among others.
However, James has just brought a huge relief to all basketball lovers. Because? He confirmed that he will remain active during the upcoming NBA season, the 21st of his extraordinary career. “I don’t care how many more points he scores, or what he can or can’t do on the field,” said the forward, following receiving one of the awards at the ESPY awards ceremony, which is given annually by the sports network ESPN, in The Angels.
LeBron James, last night in Los Angeles, during the ESPY Awards, where he confirmed that he will continue playing in the NBAFRAZER HARRISON – GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA
James, who has won four NBA rings (two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers and one with the Lakers), noted: “The real question for me is: ‘Can I keep playing without cheating this game?’ The day I can’t give it my all on the court, I’ll be finished. Luckily for you, that day is not today,” said King James, with a smile, unleashing applause from those attending the gala at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood.
LeBron has two more seasons under his contract with the Lakers, but in the second he has an option to become a “free agent.” The crack born in Akron, Ohio, always declared his intention to continue in the league until he played with his son Bronny. James received the ESPY Award for becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer last season, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record.
LeBron James with his son Bronny James, with whom he longs to meet in the NBACHRISTIAN PETERSEN – File / AFP / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA
At the same gala, Lionel Messi was recognized with two awards for the best performance in a championship, for his triumph with Argentina in the World Cup in Qatar, and for the best footballer of the year. The albiceleste captain, who did not attend the ceremony, landed yesterday in Miami to be presented this week as the new superstar of Inter Miami of the North American League (MLS).
LeBron James confirmed that he will continue playing
An achievement that encouraged him to continue
When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired from basketball in 1989 with a total of 38,387 points in his 20 NBA seasons, many stars passed through the league with the intention of surpassing that mark. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone and even Dirk Nowitzki. All great scorers, but none might reach that figure. Until last March, LeBron scored 38 points in a duel once morest the Oklahoma City Thunder and became the owner of an extraordinary and unique record.
In his team’s loss, Los Angeles, once morest Oklahoma, 133-130, James became the top scorer in NBA history, reaching 38,390 points. With ten seconds left before the end of the third period, the player had 34 points scored, but needed 36 in the game once morest Thuner to surpass the mark. Then came the moment that everyone was waiting for. And he did it his style. He received the ball from Russell Westbrook, posted from the free kick line, dunked the ball three times and, with a small step back, shot to the basket to make the double that allowed him to pass Abdul-Jabbar and become the record man . After the score, which will be remembered for all time, James ran back, opening his arms and with a smile on his face: he knew he had achieved a unique record.
Two historical: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James HARRY HOW – GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA
“I know I can play a couple more years… it all depends on my mind,” LeBron ventured that night. Two months later, the Lakers were slapped once morest the Nuggets in the Western Conference and that warning from the American seemed to come to nothing. But colder and always having among his goals the chance to share the field with his son, LeBron will continue.
Bronny’s projection
LeBron James said on more than one occasion that he wants to play a year with his eldest son in the NBA. That won’t happen until the 2024-2025 season, when Bronny James will be eligible for the 2024 Draft. The eldest of The King’s sons sparks interest among fans, though some doubt he might make it to America’s basketball elite. . However, some specialists believe that little by little he is responding to expectations.
LeBron was clear and forceful regarding what he wants for his future: “I will play my last year with my son. Where Bronny is, I will be too. I would do anything to play him, and money wouldn’t matter at that point anymore.”
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