LeBron James has dedicated the majority of his life to basketball. He is one of the most accomplished players in NBA history, winning 4 Championships, 4 Finals MVPs, and 4 Regular season MVPs. Tonight, LeBron is set to play in his career’s 20th straight All-Star Game, the most by any player in NBA history. However, dominating the NBA for over two decades has got King James thinking about how long he has left in his illustrious career.
During the pre-All-Star Game press conference, LeBron James displayed his thoughts about the possibility of hanging his boots sometime soon. “I don’t know how many seasons I have left. I know it’s not that many”, he said. LeBron’s thoughts on retirement triggered the NBA World as they accused him of lying to seek attention. One fan called the Lakers superstar a “Hall of Fame level liar.” The NBA World followed suit.
LeBron might be the most “lying just to lie” pro athlete we’ve ever seen. Like, first-ballot, unanimous, hall of fame-level liar. Nobody is even close to touching him on that front. https://t.co/VkDMCWHFBp
— Malice Walker (@humblecore) February 18, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A fan went so far as to say that he is going to want all the attention.
Ha! You know dude is going to want all the attention
— Donald Messner (@dunmessner) February 18, 2024
Another fan found this interview a bit too cringe!
Shows up late after missing practice with every other player and then gives possibly the most cringe interview of all time..@jzlegit
— Nicholas Rubino (@NicholasJames6) February 18, 2024
Fans also took a dig at LeBron, claiming he was not sure if he would take a farewell tour before retiring or go the Tim Duncan route.
There is NO chance a man who has always made sure he is the topic of conversation will go quietly into that good night.
— Adam (@AdamJoseph____) February 19, 2024
Yet another fan complaints that James is making a big deal here!
There's no way a guy who tattooed the chosen one on his back and calls himself the king won't make the biggest deal ever out of him retiring
— Todd Davey (Father God) (@ToddJDavey) February 19, 2024
Fans did not buy LeBron’s comments because tonight is not the first time LeBron has hinted at retirement. He did a similar thing last season after the Lakers got swept in the Western Conference Finals by the Denver Nuggets. After dropping 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists in Game 4 and still losing to Nikola Jokić and Co., LeBron dropped a cryptic message that left the NBA World buzzing. “Just for me personally, going forward with the game of basketball, I got a lot to think about,” LeBron said during the post-game conference. However, the 4-time Champion would return for his 21st season in the following months, nullifying his comments.
Was LeBron James really lying?
While fans accused LeBron James of lying about retirement, he may take that decision on a day-to-day basis. LeBron is 39 years old, and no player in NBA history has ever done what he is doing at this age. He is still one of the best players in the league and playing at an All-Star level.
LeBron is the face of the Lakers franchise and is averaging 24.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 7.2 rebounds in his 21st season. At his age, most players are either out of the league or merely bench players. So, it is natural that he has thoughts of retirement every now and then.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Even Kevin Durant commended LeBron’s longevity and revealed how hard it is to stay great for such a long time. “I truly appreciate somebody who’s been in that sh*t for a long time.” KD said in an interview with Boardroom. So, rather than focusing on LeBron’s comments, the NBA World should appreciate what he is producing even at this age. Because, in a few years, he will actually bid adieu to the NBA and never look back.
Watch This Story: LeBron James Celebrates Browns’ Myles Garret’s All-Pro Nomination With a 3-Word Message