Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James leaves no doubt on his retirement decision with strong statement

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 7/13/23

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made it official on Wednesday night. After his comments following the team's playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets, James floated the idea of retirement, sending NBA fans into a bit of a frenzy.

But after winning the award for Best Record-Breaking Performance at the 2023 ESPYS, LeBron had a strong statement and left no doubt on his status for the 2023-24 NBA season — he's back.

As ESPN's Malika Andrews quoted, James' speech answered any and all of the looming questions:

“The day I can’t give the game everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done …. But lucky for you guys, that day is not today," James stated.

"Lucky for you guys, that day is not today."

Go off, Bron pic.twitter.com/4X1Fqs0PqX
— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2023

Just like his first comments on the idea of retirement, James' decision to finally openly address the topic once again took the internet by storm. Not only did LeBron make it known he'll be back for next season, but based on these comments, it'd be surprising to see the future Hall of Famer choose to hang it up and call it a career any time in the near future.

James has posted his two highest-scoring seasons in the past 13 years in 2021-22 and 2022-23, averaging 30.3 points and 28.9 points, respectively. Even while posting nearly 29 points per game last year, he increased his rebound and assist marks from one year to the next while shooting 50 percent or better from the field in each season as well.

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