LeBron James‘ uncertain status for next season means he could be making his final appearances at some significant venues. A few days after playing in Cleveland — his hometown team and the place where his career began in 2003 — the Lakers star received a warm welcome from Knicks fans Sunday at Madison Square Garden for possibly his farewell game at the NBA’s most famous arena, writes Law Murray of The Athletic. Following a 22-point night, James talked about what playing in New York has meant to him throughout his career.
“Everything,” he said. “It’s the mecca of basketball here in New York City. Obviously, it’s the Big Apple, you know. Being here at MSG, playing here, so many guys have walked this court. You know, either from basketball to entertainment, to actors and musicians — I mean, everything. It’s been a wide range of importance of people to be able to grace this floor. And I hope I have a little small snippet of like, somebody that came through here and was able to make a little small dent from a business perspective.”
The game was part of a memorable day for James, who earned his 22nd consecutive All-Star appearance by being selected as one of the Western Conference reserves. Playing at such a high level may motivate James to continue his career beyond this season, but he’s 41 and has an expiring contract. Whether he re-signs with the Lakers or heads to another team this summer, his next deal is unlikely to be near his current salary of $52.6MM.
“At the end of the day, everything has to come to an end at some point,” James said. “So, no matter when it is, it’s gonna be like, ‘S–t, I’ll never play again in Madison Square Garden. I’ll never play again in certain arenas. I’ll never play again, period.’ So, I mean, at that point, it doesn’t matter. You’re gonna always miss it. You’re going to miss the game in general. So, this one will always have a special place in the journey because it is Madison Square Garden. But yeah, when that time comes? Yeah, for sure.”
There’s more on the Lakers:
- Stefan Bondy of The New York Post argues that James made a mistake by joining the Lakers as a free agent in 2018. Even though the Knicks weren’t really on the table because of the state of the franchise at the time, Bondy believes James could have created a stronger legacy for the later part of his career with another franchise. Ian O’Connor of The Athletic contends that James should consider coming to the Knicks next season.
- Sunday marked the first anniversary of the shocking late-night trade that sent Luka Doncic from Dallas to L.A., notes Dave McMenamin of ESPN. While he was unsettled by the deal at first, Doncic has evolved into the cornerstone of the franchise as it tries to build a title contender. After posting 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in Sunday’s loss, Doncic expressed confidence that the Lakers can compete for a championship. “I think we’re in a good spot,” he said. “Obviously, got some work to do. … Today, we obviously missed a lot of good looks, but I think we have a great group.”
- Austin Reaves missed his 19th straight game Sunday with a left calf strain, being downgraded to out shortly before tipoff, McMenamin adds. Coach JJ Redick said Reaves continues to be on the verge of returning and may play Tuesday in Brooklyn, but added that he has to feel “100% confident.”
No chance in hell spotlight obsessed LeBron retires without a year long celebration like Kobe got. He’ll announce his final season before it starts, whenever that is.
He wants to up his stats as much as he can, too.
I love that Kobe’s self obsession turns on all you dorks on but because ESPN focused on LeBron for so long, any semblance of “self obsession” on his end is just instantly categorized as narcissistic.
Self obsession that you’re projecting btw, as he has not said anything about wanting a send off tour. And even if he did want that, why is that a problem?
I didn’t say it was a problem, but you have to be a f-ing moron to think LeBron James is just going to retire without a full season long tour.
The annoying thing is that he loves to act like he’s this humble servant of basketball and he’s just a quiet, regular guy. He’s got the most controlled image since MJ.
He should have a full season retirement tour. Let people see him one last time on the road, etc. I just don’t understand why he’s clearly trying to act like he doesn’t need that.
LeBron is an afterthought. No one cares. Go away already. Take your kid with you
If he were an afterthought you would keep scrolling and not comment.
He’s very much relevant to you – as is Keith Partridge.
There is a 100 percent chance he doesnt retire this year. This is LeBron James we are talking about ffs. He will have a press conference (likely at a business he owns, for publicity for the business) during the summer announcing his final season so he can spend an entire season stroking his ego and getting gifts and standing ovation around the league.
These are the comments that people make and hope they bring LeBron the mindset of doing the opposite and not take his well-deserved farewell tour.
It’s incredible how much hate (jealousy?) people can that they DON’T wanna see someone getting honored, stroked, gifted, applauded (standing)…
Like, why would someone care that much that someone is getting acknowledged for their (unprecedented, as the record books show) career?
*Non-varsity letterman syndrome
Stefan Bondy sounds like he eats paste…..or writes for the NY Post.
At this rate he might as well just go for oldest NBA player of all time, I think he can easily stand around on defense, cherrypick, and foul bait for 5 more years. As others have said, there is absolutely nothing uncertain about this being his last season. He’s only retiring if he’s forced to by a bad injury. Even then he plays 1 more year 1000%.
My James is so amazing.
He will play till he gets all the stats and you worship him. It’s so cute.
I think he’ll announce that next year will be his last. He’ll have padded most of the statistical areas and call it a career. His ego won’t allow him to ‘dip’ into numbers he’s never been associated with, such as PPG below 20 for example. He’s trending that way.
His legacy will be known for longevity, but not his hairline.
I hope the NYK will stay clear of him. But, unless they win it all this year or at least make the Finals, I don’t have confidence that this FO will be able to resist. There is no real way of getting him via S&T though, so maybe that will save them.
Bron can come to NYC next year. On a minimum deal.
We will make sure you go out a champion. And with the fanfare you deserve OK. One year
👑👑👑👑🏆👀