NBA legend LeBron James reignited speculation over his retirement when he refused to rule out whether his 23rd NBA season would be his last.
“When I know, you guys will know,” James told reporters Sunday after arriving at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles for the All-Star game.
“I don’t know. I have no idea. I just want to live. That’s all.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James recorded 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in his team’s win over the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the oldest NBA player to score a triple-double.
Much of the talk going into the weekend had been over James’ future, after the 41-year old played in a record-breaking 22nd All-Star game.
He has already missed 18 games due to various health concerns, including sciatica that sidelined him for the Lakers’ first 14 games.
Yet he still headed into this break by becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double against the Dallas Mavericks last week.
The Lakers small forward recently appeared to be emotional during a pre-game tribute video in what could have been his last game in his hometown Cleveland – where he spent 11 years of his illustrious NBA career.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
LeBron James combines with Rui Hachimura for the game-winner as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors in the superstar’s 23rd NBA season.
“I’m just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted,” LeBron said of Cleveland’s tribute.
“It could be [my last season]. I obviously haven’t made a decision on the future, but it very well could be.”
He holds the record for most All-Star game inclusions, surpassing Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 19, but was originally selected as a reserve for this year’s contest before the new format was announced.
James already boasts the longest NBA career in history, but his most recent comments will only add fuel on the fire as his uncertain future takes the spotlight as the end of the regular season approaches.