LeBron James to Play in 21st NBA Season, Dismisses Retirement Talk

• LeBron James is not retiring from the NBA
• The Los Angeles Lakers veteran refuted retirement rumors at the ESPYS
• James hinted at retirement after the Lakers were eliminated from the 2023 playoffs

LeBron James sent the NBA world into a meltdown in May after hinting at retirement following the Los Angeles Lakers' exit from the 2023 NBA playoffs.

The 38-year-old forward has now rubbished the retirement discussion by announcing that he will play in his 21st NBA season.

The 2022/23 season was a historic one for LeBron James. He surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record to become NBA's all-time leading scorer. The record had stood since 1984, and by eclipsing it, he cemented his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

His Lakers team had an up-and-down season, but he led them to the Western Conference finals. He averaged 28.9 points per game at 38 years old. However, in the postseason, he showed signs of decline, but he later revealed he was playing with an injury.

LeBron James' height, net worth, wife, son, all-time points and more

NBA

James turns 39 in December, and it will be interesting to see if he can keep going.

LeBron James walks back retirement talk

After the Lakers were swept in the Western Conference finals, James gave a cryptic message about his 21st NBA season.

At the ESPYS in Los Angeles, he won the award for Best Record-Breaking Performance for passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. While giving his speech, he shut down the retirement rumors.

"I don't care how many more points I score, or what I can or cannot do on the floor," James said. "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," via ESPN.

Only five players in NBA history have played 21 or more seasons in the NBA. He joins Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, and Vince Carter, who has the record with 22. he said his sons make him continue with his basketball career.

NBA players with dreads: Who has the best locks in the league right now?

NBA

"You know what brings me back every year? It's watching and coaching my boys and their teammates," he said. "I see those kids and it brings me right back to why I play. Those kids get me back to where I need to be, just the pure love of his beautiful game."

Why James may not retire

Sports Brief earlier reported on why James may not retire from the NBA.

Retiring now does not make financial sense to James since he signed a two-year $97 million deal last summer. He also said he is looking forward to playing with his son in the league.

Moreover, winning a fifth ring will be the icing on the cake since he has nothing else to prove in his career.