LeBron James has addressed the possibility of having a farewell tour, much like Kobe Bryant did to round out his legendary career in 2016.
James, who is in his 21st season and showing no signs of slowing down, said he was “50-50″ on whether he wanted to bow out with all the fanfare that comes with a grandiose farewell season.
“I don’t know how many seasons I have left. I know it’s not that many,” James aid. “… I was asked this question a couple days ago: ‘Will you take the farewell tour or just Tim Duncan it?’ I’m 50-50.
“I’m going to be honest. There are times I feel like I owe it to my fans who have been along this journey with me for two decades-plus, to be able to give them that moment, where it’s every city, and they give you your flowers or whatever the case may be. That seems cool.
“But the other side—I’ve never been that great with accepting praise. It’s a weird feeling for me. I’ve never really talked about it much. “To go to each city, if that’s the case—I’ve seen Michael [Jordan]’s, I’ve seen Kobe [Bryant]’s, I’ve seen a lot of guys’ [farewell tour]—I just don’t know how I’d feel. I don’t know if I’d feel great about it. Maybe the only child in me. I don’t know.”
During the same media session, James also addressed his future with the Lakers.
“I am a Laker, and I’ve been very happy being a Laker the last six years, and hopefully it stays that way,” he said. “I don’t have the answer to how long it will be or what uniform I’ll be wearing. Hopefully, it’s with the Lakers. It’s a great organization with so many greats. We’ll see. I don’t know how it’s going to end, but it’s coming.”
While the end may be in sight, James has made it clear he won’t be retiring before he gets the chance to play with his son, Bronny, who will be eligible to enter this year’s NBA Draft in June.
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