LeBron James confirms return for 21st NBA season at 2023 ESPYS Awards

During the 2023 ESPYS Awards, which were held without a host for the first time due to the Hollywood writers’ strike, LeBron James confirmed that he will be returning for his 21st NBA season with the Lakers.

The event took place at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles and brought together athletes from various sports to celebrate their achievements.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had a standout night, winning awards for Best Athlete, Men’s Sports, and Best NFL Player.

Mahomes and the Chiefs were also honored with the Best Team award. The event featured performances by Lil Wayne and H.E.R., and notable presenters included Damar Hamlin, Dwayne Wade, Travis Kelce, Sue Bird, Mike Tyson, and Livvy Dunne.

The Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award went to Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks and Lauren Holiday, a retired member of the United States Women’s National Team, for their contributions to humanitarian causes.

LeBron James, after receiving the ESPY for Best Record-Breaking Performance for surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, took the opportunity to confirm his plans to continue playing in the NBA for his 21st season with the Lakers.

He said, “I don’t care how many more points I can score or what I can or can’t do on the floor.

“The real question for me is, can I play without cheating this game?

“The day I can’t play without giving everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.”