When LeBron James hinted at retirement last month, it sent shockwaves through the NBA. The 38-year-old player told the reporters that he needed time to reflect on everything, including the incident, after he and the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Denver Nuggets 4-0 in the Western Finals. career in basketball.

Fortunately for James’s legions of devoted followers, he gave the news that he has not yet retired while accepting an award at ESPN’s annual ESPYS presentation. American athletics are a thing of beauty. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s historic scoring performance with the Lakers earned him a tribute. At the same time, James began discussing his plans for the future.

No matter how many points I score or how well or poorly I perform on the field, it doesn’t matter to me. For myself, the true question is whether or not I can play the game without resorting to cheating. In the end, James decided to retire on the day he could no longer give his all on the field. This is not that day, fortunately.

James has mentioned on multiple occasions that he would like to spend at least one NBA season playing alongside his son Bronny. This is why James insists that continuing his playing career is his primary objective.

Bronny will begin his collegiate career at USC in the fall of 2023, and James will have a Player Option following the 2023–24 season. LeBron has the option to forego the 2024–25 season with the Lakers and become a free agent if rookie Bronny decides to enter the NBA Draft. Because of this, any squad can pick Bronny. James added that he currently has no financial concerns.

Even if that isn’t the deciding element in whether or not James plays professionally again, it’s a solid benchmark. James has reached such lofty heights in the NBA that teaming up with Bronny now appears to be the pinnacle of achievement.