by Lebron James announced his return for a 21st NBA season on Wednesday, surprising no one in the sports world.
James made his announcement during the ESPYs after accepting the award for Best Recording Performance last year.
NBA professional basketball player LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, from left, accepts the award for best record performance from Bronny James, Bryce James, Savannah James and Zhuri James at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday, July 12 2023, at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark Terrill)
Although his announcement made headlines, one sports radio host he took issue with it being treated as breaking news.
LEBRON JAMES ANNOUNCES RETURN FOR NBA SEASON 21 AFTER CONTEMPLATING RETIREMENT
Dan Patrick, host of “The Dan Patrick Show,” questioned how James and ESPN approached the news.
“I wasn’t expecting an announcement. I got one, and then ESPN treated it like it was breaking news,” Patrick said Thursday. “And I said, ‘You know what the breaking news is? If he withdrew It’s not that I’m coming back. Who thought you could retire?”
“Nobody,” Patrick and the rest of the show said in unison.
“He’s just needed,” Patrick continued. “And you don’t need it. ‘I want publicity. Don’t forget about me. I don’t want to cheat at the game.'” He plays. He just plays.”
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, #6, dunks against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals series, Thursday, May 18, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
James and the los angeles lakers they were swept by the Denver Nuggets, the eventual NBA champions, in the Western Conference Finals.
After LA’s Game 4 loss, James hinted at the possibility of ending his career after his 20th nba season.
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“We’ll see what happens in the future,” James said. “I don’t know. I don’t know. I have a lot to think about, to be honest. Just for me personally, going into basketball, I have a lot to think about.”
James put an end to any speculation Wednesday, telling the crowd at the ESPYs that he wasn’t done with the game.
“When the season ended, I said I wasn’t sure I’d play anymore, and I know a lot of experts told you what I said, but now I’m here speaking for myself,” James said. “At that point, I wonder if I can still play without cheating. Can I still give my all to the game? The truth is, I’ve been asking myself this late-season question for a couple of years now. I just never spoke openly of that”.
NBA professional basketball player LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers accepts the award for Best Record Performance at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark Terrill)
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“I don’t care how many more points i score or what I can and can’t do on the court,” he continued. “The real question for me is ‘Can I play without cheating in this game?’ The day I can’t give it my all on the court is the day I’ll finish.”
“Luckily for you, that day is not today.”
James has long hinted that he would like to play in the NBA with his son, Bronny, who is preparing to start his career. college basketball career at USC next season.
Ryan Morik and Ryan Gaydos of Fox News contributed to this report
