LeBron James was not happy with the way some of his comments from All-Star weekend were spun into creating a narrative suggesting he would like to leave the Los Angeles Lakers. The four-time NBA champion has since declared he plans to remain in the purple and gold and plans on sticking with the team for as long as he’s still able to play.
He has also expressed confidence in the Lakers’ management where it pertains to putting together a squad that could challenge for titles following what has so far turned out to be a failed experiment.
The Lakers are now 27-32 after another loss on Friday night, this time to the Los Angeles Clippers, and are in danger of missing the playoffs altogether. King James insists he isn’t planning to jump ship, though he would love to play with his son if presented the opportunity.
“This is a franchise I see myself being with. I’m here. I’m here,” he said, per Hoopshype. “… I literally live in the moment. I do. I live in the moment. I see myself being with the purple and gold as long as I can play. But I also have a goal that if it’s possible– I don’t even know if it’s possible– that if I can play with my son, I would love to do that. Is that like, something that any man shouldn’t want in life? That’s like the coolest thing that could possibly happen. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with this franchise.”
It’s also been reported that LeBron would be eligible for a two-year max extension at the end of the season that could see him earn $50 million during a campaign in which he would be 40 years old.