At the end of last season, LeBron hinted at retirement after being swept by the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
Even though not everyone took his hint seriously, it was a shock for many that he was even considering walking away.
Fast forward to media day and the league’s all-time point scorer is front and center and ready to contribute in his 21st season.
When James was asked what went into his decision to keep playing, he explained it was his family that was his biggest motivator.
“Just had conversations with my family, conversations with myself,” LeBron said. “Getting inspired once again from my kids. Being on the AAU circuit with Bryce. Seeing how he continues to grow his individual game. Being extremely proud of Bronny being able to go to USC and see where he was before obviously the incident. Inspired by that. Then I feel like I got a lot more in the tank to give. At that moment, I didn’t. I was just exhausted; I was tired. Mentally, I was in too many different places mentally. That’s what drew that comment or that statement because that’s just how I felt at the moment, but I’m happy to be returning for another season and helping this team. Hopefully lead this team to the promised land. That’s just the goal.”
Naturally, King James was also asked about whether a part of him thinks this season could be his last.
“I don’t know,” LeBron said. “I don’t know. Nah I can’t [expand on that] because I don’t know. I’m happy right now, I’m excited. Looking forward to tomorrow and getting the training camp going. But I don’t know what the end of this road look like or at the end of the season. I have no idea.”
The four-time MVP’s work rate is pretty darn crazy for a player who is about to turn 39 in December.
Last season, he averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 55 regular season games for LA and was a big reason the Lakers made a deep playoffs run.
It will be interesting to see how far he take the new-look team this season.