LeBron James attempted to clear the air about how he sees the remainder of his career playing out with the Los Angeles Lakers following a number of comments during the All-Star break that suggested he’s interested in leaving the franchise.
“This is a franchise I see myself being with. I’m here. I’m here,” James said after the Lakers’ 105-102 loss to the LA Clippers. “I see myself being with the purple and gold as long as I can play.”
James is eligible for a two-year extension with the Lakers this offseason and has also suggested he would like to be teammates with his son, Bronny James, who is a junior in high school.
“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,” said James, 37. “Is that, like, something that any man shouldn’t want that 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.”
James also clarified that while Rob Pelinka might consult him on personnel decisions, the ultimate decision is made by Pelinka.
“I don’t push the buttons,” James said. “They ask for my opinion, and I voice my opinion and what I believe. But I don’t press any buttons. That’s what our front office is for, and that’s what our leadership group is for.
“I don’t press no buttons. So we can state that right now.”
