There was speculation earlier this NBA offseason whether Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James would potentially retire ahead of the 2023-24 season. That talk has largely simmered, but he made an official announcement on the matter at the 2023 ESPYS on Wednesday night.
James was featured at the ESPYS after receiving an award for the Best Record-Breaking Performance for breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time points record.
During his acceptance speech, he made it official in a message to his critics that he would be returning for the Lakers next season.
“I don’t care how many more points I score or what I can or cannot do on the floor,” said James. “The real question for me is, can I play without cheating this game? The day I can’t give the game everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.”
"Lucky for you guys, that day is not today."
Go off, Bron 😂 pic.twitter.com/4X1Fqs0PqX
— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2023
He received a massive ovation after that statement from the attendees of the ESPYS. Fans took notice and chimed in on social media, excited that all the speculation on his return is over.
LEBRON JAMES IS NOT DONE YET 😤pic.twitter.com/09s45DoCCO
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) July 13, 2023
LeBron James announces at the ESPY’s that he will NOT retire.
Year 21 incoming 👑 pic.twitter.com/ZKeHlnofQl
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 13, 2023
Lebron James announces he will NOT be retiring from the NBA pic.twitter.com/4UVgk5m6xy
— No Jumper (@nojumper) July 13, 2023
BREAKING: LEBRON JAMES SAYS AT THE 2023 ESPYS THAT HE IS NOT RETIRING! 😳👑
“The day I can’t give the game everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.” pic.twitter.com/j4MBUSk13l
— Courtside Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) July 13, 2023
LeBron James at the ESPY Awards on retirement thoughts:
"The day I can't give the game everything on the floor is the day I'll be done…lucky for you guys today is not that day." pic.twitter.com/CRekUgbvjm
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 13, 2023
James has always been known to use the biggest platform possible to make his announcement, and he certainly did so on Wednesday night.
He will return to a Lakers team that showed some extreme promise last postseason, making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals before falling to the eventual champions in the Denver Nuggets.
