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LeBron James strongly suggested he might retire this summer when, just after the Los Angeles Lakers were swept in the Western Conference finals, he said he had “a lot to think about” when it came to “moving forward with the game of basketball.”
Not that many people actually expected him to follow through and actually retire. Many chalked up his comment to the fatigue of a long season and the frustration of losing four straight to the eventual NBA champion Denver Nuggets.
On Wednesday during the ESPY Awards, James confirmed what many suspected: He will indeed return to the Lakers this fall for his 21st NBA season.
"Lucky for you guys, that day is not today."
Go off, Bron 😂 pic.twitter.com/4X1Fqs0PqX
— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2023
Unlike last season, when L.A. was struggling to tread water until late in the schedule, the team seems to have a real shot at winning it all. It retained its main free agents this summer while adding Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes.
Just days ago, James seemed to show his support for those signings with an Instagram post. In addition, his agent, Rich Paul, said James let him know in June that he is motivated for yet another campaign.