LeBron James
Getty
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is playing in his 23rd NBA season.
After receiving a tribute video from the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, LeBron James became emotional before returning to the court. There have been questions about James’ future, with the Los Angeles Lakers superstar finally opening up on the possibility of having a farewell tour.
James is set to become a free agent in the offseason, with the Lakers unlikely to offer him another huge salary. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the purple and gold franchise is open to bringing back the four-time NBA champion next season.
However, the Lakers are going to ask James to take a pay cut. He’s earning $52 million this season, though it’s unclear how much discount they would want from “The King.”
James Makes His Feelings Clear on Farewell Tour
The Cleveland Cavaliers were not fooling around on Wednesday, blowing out the Los Angeles Lakers, 129-99. The Cavaliers limited James to just 11 points on 3-for-10 shooting and forced him to commit six turnovers in 27 minutes. But he still received a very warm welcome from the Cleveland faithful.
Speaking to reporters after the game, James was asked about his thoughts on getting a video tribute from the Cavs. He also answered questions on his potential retirement and possibly earning a farewell tour if he decides that next season will be his final one.
“I have not even thought to the point of like a farewell tour or whatever the case may be. Because I haven’t had the conversation with myself and my family on when it’s over. So that has not even, I think that will come after that,” James said.
Despite not making up his mind about retirement, James acknowledged that he’s savoring the moments, especially on the road.
“Live in the moment and just not take for granted the opportunity of being present, especially in year 23. I could very easily think about the future in Year 12, and Year 14, even 15, you know? But as the years stack on and stack on and stack on more, I think it’s more of a precedent for me to kind of just be present in the moment, no matter win, lose or draw,” James said.
Cavs Player Apologizes for Inadvertent LeBron Diss
Second-year player Jaylon Tyson went viral after the Cavs’ win when he seemingly dissed LeBron James. Tyson interrupted Donovan Mitchell‘s postgame interview, saying that Cleveland is now Mitchell’s city.
In a statement to Cleveland.com, Tyson apologized for what he said and explained that it wasn’t his intention to take a shot at James.
“If I offended anybody or anybody got mad about it, I’m sorry. I take personal responsibility, but I just wanted to give (Mitchell) his flowers because we want to do the same thing that ‘Bron and them did here. We want to do that with him as our leader,” Tyson said.
Mitchell said the same thing in his postgame media availability. Tyson wasn’t trying to disrespect the legacy of the four-time MVP. The current team just wants to bring another championship to the city and replicate what James did in 2016.