LeBron James Doesn’t Want a Farewell Tour, NBA Insider Says

LeBron James’ retirement has been a talking point throughout the NBA season. Now at 41 years old, many believe a farewell tour is coming on the horizon, if not already happened. 

However, that narrative is false, according to the sources of The Athletic’s Sam Amick. In fact, no decision has been made about the LA Lakers star’s future as of this moment. 

“Team and league sources granted anonymity to speak openly say James has made no decisions regarding his future,” Amick wrote. “The notion that James would want a farewell tour — long cited as evidence this season would be his last is false, those sources said, with several even hearing that from James himself.”

James is the oldest active player in the league this season. He has also played in his 23rd season, a record. 

The four-time NBA champion had numerous moments where fans showed their appreciation to him, most notably in Cleveland, where he grew up and played most of his early career.

James received numerous occasions from fans and a tribute video from the Cavaliers franchise when the Lakers visited the squad on Jan. 28, indicating a potential final goodbye for the Cleveland great. James even shed a tear after watching the tribute video. 

However, James remained adamant about his future throughout the season, with no announcement about his retirement so far. 

Despite his age, he maintained solid production across the board for the Lakers, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. 

The Lakers finished the regular season in the No. 4 seed and will face off against the Houston Rockets 

LeBron James Relishes Chance to Play with Son Bronny in the Playoffs

GettyLeBron James plays with son Bronny James in the playoffs.

While retirement talks continue, LeBron James relishes the chance to play with his son Bronny, once more on a bigger stage. 

James called playing alongside Bronny in the playoffs “the best thing that ever happened” to his career. He added that Bronny earned whatever opportunity he would get in the postseason. 

“Me being on the floor with him, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my career,” he said. “Above everything that I’ve accomplished. So, the fact that he’s put himself in a position to get his number called for a postseason game is pretty remarkable and pretty cool given the circumstances that he’s been given the last couple years.”

Bronny only played a total of four minutes in last season’s playoffs, where the Lakers got bounced out in the first round. 

With the Lakers’ backcourt depleted following the injuries of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, Bronny is expected to get more minutes in the playoffs against the Rockets, allowing him to share the court with his father before he retires. 

LeBron James Faces Kevin Durant in Rare Playoff Matchup

GettyLeBron James faces off against Kevin Durant in the NBA playoffs.

LeBron James will be facing Kevin Durant in a playoff series for the first time since the 2018 NBA Finals as the Lakers take on the Rockets in the first round. 

In their last time the two faced off, Durant led the Golden State Warriors to a sweep of the James-led Cavaliers en route to the title. 

This year, James remains the heavy underdog as he will not have the Lakers’ top two scorers, Doncic and Reaves. Meanwhile, Durant enjoys a healthy supporting cast bannered by Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. 

Game 1 will be on April 18 at Los Angeles. 

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