LeBron James has a preference for avoiding the spotlight, or at least that’s what he claims. Despite the overwhelming evidence of his fame and numerous public appearances, the Lakers superstar insists that he doesn’t handle attention well. In a recent media interview before the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, the self-proclaimed King shared his unique perspective on the possibility of a farewell tour in his final season. When asked if he expects the NBA to honor him in such a way, James gave a vague response, stating that he hasn’t planned out how many seasons he has left and that he doesn’t know if he will opt for a farewell tour or simply retire quietly like Tim Duncan.
According to James, if he does decide to embrace the farewell tour narrative, it will be as a tribute to his fans. He claims to be torn on the idea, expressing his gratitude towards the fans who have supported him throughout his two-decade-long career. However, he also admits that accepting praise has always been a challenge for him. The concept of being celebrated in every city feels strange to him, and he questions whether he would truly feel great about it, despite witnessing the farewell tours of other basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
LeBron James, currently participating in his 20th All-Star Game, remains a significant figure in the NBA. The league hopes that he will continue to play for several more years, although it is speculated that he may retire after two additional seasons. As the NBA prepares for uncertain times, James has never sought to make the game solely about himself. Nevertheless, if he does decide to retire, his final season will undoubtedly be well-documented, unless he manages to surprise everyone by exiting the game without fanfare, which would be the ultimate twist.
Before retiring, LeBron still has one more goal to accomplish – playing alongside his son, Bronny James. He recently attended a college basketball game to support Bronny’s team, gathering valuable insights on his future teammate. Until he eventually hangs up his jersey, LeBron will continue to humbly endure the attention that comes with his iconic status.
Follow Alejandro Avila’s updates on X. Alejandro Avila is a resident of Southern California and has previously reported news for the LA Football Network. He is known for his expertise on Jeopardy and his grumpy demeanor as a sports fan. Alejandro is also recognized for his impressive feat of watching every movie and his constant craving for dessert. You can find him on X as @alejandroaveela.
According to the Source outkick.com