INDIANAPOLIS – Lakers legend LeBron James did not directly address the report that he turned down an opportunity to join Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors during a 15-minute news conference in the hours before Sunday's NBA All-Star Game, However, stated that he would like to finish his career in Los Angeles.
“I'm a Laker and I've been very happy being a Laker for the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,” said James, who is about to make his record-breaking 20th appearance at the exhibition. “I have no answer as to how long it will take or what uniform I will wear. Hopefully it's with the Lakers. It's a great organization with so many greats. We will see. I don't know how it will end, but it will. It’s coming, for sure.”
How soon remains to be seen for the 39-year-old. James holds a $51.4 million player option to return to the Lakers next season. He could reject that deal and re-sign with Los Angeles or enter unrestricted free agency.
“I have no idea how many seasons I have left,” James said. “I know there aren’t that many.”
James also isn't sure if he wants to end his career with a farewell tour or, as he said, “just with Tim Duncan.” The reason may surprise you for someone who has been the face of the league for most of his 21 seasons.
“I’m 50-50,” he said. “I'll be honest. There are times when I feel like I owe it to my fans who have been on this journey for over two decades to be able to give them this moment where every city gives something. “Your flowers or whatever.” always. That seems cool, but the flip side: I've never been good at accepting praise. It's a strange feeling for me. I never really talked about it much.
LeBron James speaks during a press conference before the NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
“It’s just a weird feeling for me,” he added in a rare moment of vulnerability. “To go to any city, if that’s the case – I’ve seen Michael [Jordan]I saw Kobe [Bryant]'s, I've seen a lot of guys' [farewell tour] – I just don’t know how I would feel. I don't know if I would feel great about it. Maybe the only child in me. I don't know.”
James sat out the final game before the All-Star break because of peroneal tendinopathy in his left ankle. He has been undergoing treatment in recent days and will take part in Sunday's game, but said: “I won't play the whole game.”
“I'm trying to get my ankle strong enough to be confident that I can finish the last 30 games of the season,” said James, whose Lakers (30-26) are currently in ninth place in the Western Conference. “I go out and run around with the young guys for a bit and then switch it off at some point to give my ankle another chance to rest. I'm looking for another treatment tomorrow and going into this week because we don't play until the end of the week. I'll see how it goes, but the most important thing for me is definitely my health. … I'm trying to do the best for myself and the improvement of the team.”
James hinted at retirement when his Lakers lost to the eventual champion Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals last season. Now he plans to take part in the Olympic Games for the fourth time this season.
“I told myself before the season when I committed to being part of the Olympic team that obviously it all depends on my health,” he said. “As it stands now, I’m healthy enough to be on the team and play at a level I know I can perform. The season still has time. Of course, I don’t know what the future holds.” the postseason.
“[The Olympics] is 11 games, but it's 5 1/2 weeks and there are more miles put on these tires. If I commit to Team USA, which I do, then I will commit my mind, body and soul to being out there for Team USA and representing our country with the utmost respect.