LeBron James was flippant when asked on Sunday if he plans to play another NBA season. And his answer to the question remains the same as it has been: He doesn't know.
James was asked about his NBA plans beyond this season during a news conference ahead of Sunday's NBA All-Star Game. Here's his answer:
"I want to live," James responded. "When I know, you guys will know. I don't know. I have no idea. I just want to live, that's all."
James held his own individual news conference afteropting out of Saturday's broader All-Star media dayavailability.
In scheduling his own news conference, James prompted speculation that he might have news to announce regarding his future plans. But he didn't have any news on that front and appeared perturbed when asked about it.
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Will he or won't he?
The topic came up prior to James' 22nd All-Star game, extending his own NBA record. At 41 years old, he remains a high-level player when he's available to play.
Through 36 games, James is averaging 22 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game for a 33-21 Lakers team that entered the All-Star break in fifth place in the Western Conference. He appears to have more gas in the tank if he wants to play a 24th NBA season.
He also has a historic amount of basketball mileage on his body as the NBA's all-time leader in minutes played. And his legacy has long been secured.
But his basketball future remains a mystery.There's speculationthat James wants to stage a retirement tour that could potentially include a reunion and a third stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers next season. If that's his desire, he surely wouldn't say so in public while still playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Either way, James is sticking to his story about his plans for next season: He doesn't know.
