LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to the celebrities in the front row while playing in the front row… [+] Half of the NBA All-Star basketball game, Sunday, February 20, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The Associated Press
Despite commenting on All-Star Weekend, which seemed to indicate that he may envision ending his career in Cleveland, LeBron James now says he considers himself playing with the Lakers “as long as I can”. I see
“This is a franchise I see myself with. I’m here Here I am,” James said after the Lakers’ 105-102 loss to the LA Clippers, according to ESPN.com. “As long as I can play, I see myself with purple and gold.”
The 37-year-old star has one year left with the Lakers, and is eligible to sign a two-year extension this summer worth more than $97 million. He reiterated his plans to play alongside his son Bronie from 2024, when the now 17-year-old Bronie will be eligible for the NBA Draft and when the elder James turns 40.
James said, “One of my goals is that, if it’s possible — I don’t even know if it’s possible — that if I can play with my son, I’d love to do that.” “Is there anything that no man should want in life? It’s like the best thing that could possibly happen. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with this franchise.”
For that to happen, the Lakers would have to draft Bronie – ranked 34th in the class of 2023 according to 247Sports.com overall rankings. Alternatively, another team can draft Bronie and arrange for LeBron to join that team in free agency.
Over the All-Star weekend, James hinted that he might envision a third go-round in Cleveland down the road, telling The Athletic, “The door isn’t closed on that one.”
James began his career in Cleveland and then returned after winning two titles with the Miami Heat and leading the Cavaliers to the NBA Championship in 2016.
COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 14: LeBron ‘Bronie’ James Jr. #0 of Sierra Canyon High School is greeted by… [+] His father LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers after the Ohio Scholastic play-by-play classic against St. Vincent-St. Mary High School at Nationwide Arena on December 14, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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He also told The Athletic: “My last year will be played with my son. … Wherever Bronie is, that’s where I will be. I will do whatever it takes to play with my son for a year. It’s not about the money at the time.”
But clarifying his comments, he said he meant he could potentially only sign with the Cavaliers for a day so that he can retire with them.
“I never said I could see myself playing in a Cavaliers uniform,” he said. “I Spoke to Jason Lloyd” [of The Athletic] And he asked me, and I said, ‘Well, I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but actually I’m playing for the Cavs, I don’t know about that.’ Could I see myself retiring as a Cav and he asked me, ‘Well, will you come here and retire as a Cav?’ And I said, ‘It could possibly be.
James also clarified that he has no plans to change the Lakers’ management and remains “very confident” in him despite the team’s struggles. They are currently seed 27-32 and No. 9 in the West.
“Jenny’s Front Office Since I’ve Been Here” [Buss]lindas [Rambis]kurti [Rambis]Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and given me a chance to play for a historic franchise and welcomed my family,” he said. “And I just try to give back my part of the game and inspire the kids and the people who want to follow the Lakers and bring them back to the level they’re used to being . And that’s always been my focus.”
