Lakers superstar casts doubt on future with honest admission
The NBA icon is entering the final months of his current contract.
LeBron James has admitted he is unsure if he will continue his professional career past this season, stating he simply "wants to live" as his current contract nears its expiration.
The 41-year-old addressed the media ahead of his 22nd NBA All-Star Game appearance in Inglewood.
Despite approaching the end of a record-setting 23rd campaign, the league’s all-time leading scorer could not guarantee a return to the court next year.
"Yeah, I mean, I want to live," James said on Sunday when asked about his future plans.
"When I know, you guys will know. I don’t know. I have no idea. I just want to live, that’s all."
The four-time NBA champion largely deflected questions regarding potential retirement or life after basketball.
Focus on the ‘sprint’
James insisted his priority remains firmly on the Los Angeles Lakers’ immediate success rather than his personal uncertainty.
He is currently finishing the final year of a deal worth $52.6m (£41.6m).
"Right now I’m still locked in on what’s going on right now, our season. And that’s where my mind is," he explained.
The veteran forward emphasised that his motivation remains unchanged as the team prepares for the post-All-Star break schedule.
"We’ve got past the marathon and now the sprint is about to start."
Los Angeles currently sit fifth in the Western Conference standings with a 33-21 record.
However, consistency has been elusive for the franchise, who have scored exactly as many points (6,264) as they have conceded through 54 games.
Health holds the key
James believes the availability of key personnel will dictate how the rest of the season unfolds.
"I know that when we’ve played some of our best basketball this season, we look very good," James noted.
"On the other side, when we’ve been terrible, we’ve looked disgusting."
The roster has struggled to keep its star trio on the floor simultaneously.
James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic have managed only 10 games together so far, resulting in a 7-3 record in those contests.
Doncic, who recently missed four matches with a mild hamstring strain, is expected to play limited minutes in the All-Star game.
With the squad returning to full strength, the focus shifts to their clash against the LA Clippers on Friday.
Ownership aspirations
While his playing future remains ambiguous, the Akron native did acknowledge his long-term business goals.
James confirmed he still harbours a strong interest in joining an NBA ownership group.
This possibility may accelerate following comments from commissioner Adam Silver, who indicated the Board of Governors will discuss the topic in March.