(Los Angeles) NBA superstar LeBron James cast doubt on the rest of his career and a possible team change on Sunday on the sidelines of the All-Star game.
“I haven’t decided how many seasons I have left to play. But I know there are not many left,” evaded the “King” during a press conference in Indianapolis before participating in the all-star game for the 20e times.
At 39, the four-time NBA champion is playing his 21ste season in the North American league, the sixth with the Los Angeles Lakers. After his elimination in the Western Conference final last year, he left doubts, quickly swept aside, about a possible retirement.
I’m a Laker, and I’ve been happy as a Laker for the last six years, I hope it stays that way. But I don’t have the answer to how many seasons I have left or what jersey I will wear.
LeBron James
James has the power to activate an additional year of his contract for next season, or go free this summer. He leaves the door open to a final change of franchise (after Cleveland, Miami then Cleveland again), while his aging Lakers, winners of the new NBA Cup in December, have been struggling for two seasons during the long regular phase of the championship ( 9e in the West currently).
“I hope it will be with the Lakers. It’s an excellent organization. We’ll see. I don’t know how I’m going to finish, but the end is coming for sure. »
The NBA points record holder was also questioned about the Paris Olympic Games (July 26 to August 11), he who seems to have motivated a “Dream team” around him and hopes to win a third gold medal after 2008 and 2012.
“When I decided to make the Olympic team, I vowed to put my health first. Currently I am fit enough to be part of the team and play at a sufficient level,” he assured.
“The Olympic Games are 11 additional matches, but above all five and a half weeks and extra kilometers of travel on my already tired tires. »
“I plan to dedicate my body, mind and soul to Team USA, to represent and play for our country with the utmost respect,” he added.
“I’m sure I wouldn’t have to ‘carry’ the team on my shoulders. This has never been the case in my three previous experiences. […] I don’t know yet what the full selection will look like, but given some of the names, I know I won’t have any pressure at that level.
» It will be a team of twelve players all capable of performing well in attack and defense every night against any team on the planet. “