LeBron James Enjoys All-Star Game Collaboration, Says He’s Still Unsure About His Future
Lakers star LeBron James made his way to the interview podium Sunday with a giant jug of water in hand and a rag covering his hair, the last of the NBA All-Stars to speak to the media.
James was selected as a reserve, breaking his NBA record of 21 consecutive starts but extending his appearance record to 22.
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At 41 years old and in his record 23rd season, James was asked about his future, because his eventual retirement always seems a source of curiosity.
So, James was asked before playing in the “US vs. “World” All-Star Game tournament at the Intuit Dome if he had any ideas about what he wants to do next season.
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“I want to live,” James said. “When I know, you will know too. I don’t know. I have no idea. I just want to live. That’s all.”
James played on Team Stripes, joining fellow veterans Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, who did not play due to a right knee injury.
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They are longtime fighters, friends and U.S. Olympic teammates. And they are All-Stars again, all over 37 and still playing at a high level.
“It’s always an honor to see those guys,” James said. “We’ve had an incredible journey over the course of our individual careers and then we’ve intersected at certain points in our careers, regular season meets, finals appearances, postseason appearances, then the Olympics two summers ago. When it comes to me, Steph and KD, we’ll definitely be bonded for the rest of our careers. It’s been great to be able to have some moments with those guys, against those guys, teaming up with those guys.”
The All-Star format changed from East vs. West to United States vs. World.
Team Stars forward Scottie Barnes, left, celebrates with Cade Cunningham after hitting a three to beat Team World in the first game of the All-Star Game on Sunday at the Intuit Dome. (Jae C. Hong/Associated Press)
There were three teams: Team Stars, Team Stripes and Team World, and they played 12-minute games in a round-robin tournament.
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Game 1 was Team World versus Team Stars, a game that went to overtime after Anthony Edwards tied the score 32–32 at the end of the first 12 minutes.
Team Stars, the first team to score five points in overtime, won 37-35 with a 3-pointer by Scottie Barnes.
Victor Wembanyama led Team World with 14 points, six rebounds and three blocks.
Read more: NBA All-Star Roster Set: Kawhi Leonard added to game
Anthony Edwards scored 13 points for Team Stars, who will next play Team Stripes.
James and Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is on the USA Stripes and Lakers superstar Luka Doncic, the leading all-star vote getter, is on Team World because he is from Slovenia.
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James was asked if he could ever imagine a USA vs. World All-Star format.
“No,” James said, laughing. “No. I mean, East-West is definitely a tradition. It’s been really cool. Obviously, I like the East and West format. But they’re trying something. But we’ll see what happens. I mean, it’s the United States versus the world. The world is gigantic compared to the United States. So, I’m just trying to figure out how that makes sense. But I don’t want to dive too much into that. Yeah, East-West is great. We’ll see what happens with that.”
Just before tip-off of the first game, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama were introduced to a standing ovation.
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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.