The Los Angeles Lakers’ all-star forward LeBron James has finally spoken out about the speculation surrounding his future in the NBA. LeBron James, at 38 years old, gave an emotional acceptance speech at the ESPY Awards, assuring his supporters that he will be returning to the NBA this season.
On the other hand team USA basketball is preparing for the FIBA World Cup, having played Spain and Slovenia with upcoming matches against Greece and Germany. Fans can anticipate LeBron James’ return for the 2024 Olympics, according to Paul Pierce.
LeBron James silences retirement talk
All the NBA fans took a sigh of relief after LeBron James silenced his retirement talks during the ESPYS speech. LeBron had earlier voiced his pondering about his future in basketball, saying, “We’ll see, we’ll see what happens going forward. I don’t know [if I’ll carry on]. I don’t know. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest. Just for me, going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about.”
The King, though, silenced any remaining doubts when on stage at the Dolby Theatre accepting the award for Best Record-Breaking Performance. “I don’t care how many more points I score, or what I can or cannot do on the floor. The real question for me is – can I play without cheating this game? The day I can’t give everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.”
LeBron James is still a crucial player after making 19 All-Star teams and averaging only 28.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game last year. After signing a two-year agreement with the Lakers, his pay will increase to $47.6 million in 2023, with a player option for the following season in 2024–25.
Paul Pierce backs LeBron James for 2024 games
There is nothing left in basketball that LeBron James hasn’t seemingly mastered after 20 incredible seasons in the NBA and the capture of 4 Championships. His 39th birthday is coming up, which may signal the beginning of his retirement. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, two of the greatest basketball players of all time, recently discussed the possible lineup for the 2024 Olympics on a recent edition of KG Certified.
When Pierce said, “I really think LeBron is gonna go. This will be his final Olympics.”Garnett was taken aback. This Olympic competition will be his last. LeBron has competed in the Olympics many times (2004, 2008, and 2012) and has won two gold medals. Pierce thinks the 2024 Olympics will be his last, while LeBron wants one more shot at playing for Team USA.
Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Austin Reaves are just a few of the budding NBA talents that are now on the roster for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Notable by their absence are household names and veteran NBA players, who typically give more of their time and attention to the Olympics than the World Cup. Regarding the current USA squad, Pierce said, “This is not gonna be the Olympics team,” mentioning both Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard.
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