LeBron James is "retiring" from the All-Star Game this time

LeBron James was absent from the All-Star Media Day event set by the league.

He arrived on Sunday local time, not on Saturday like other All-Star players. It is reported that it was because his left ankle was being treated, which caused him to miss Los Angeles' final game before the All-Star break, which they beat the Utah Jazz 138-122.

So, it wasn't until before the All-Star Game that the media had a chance to interview him.

During the communication with reporters, James still talked about a lot of topics that the outside world is concerned about, and his words were sincere, not paddling like some players.

This year marks James' 20th career appearance in the NBA All-Star Game. "I want to get my ankle stronger and get back to the shape I have the confidence to finish the last third of the season," James said. I'm definitely not going to play the whole game today. I can go on the pitch and run with the young players and then take a break at some point to give my body and more importantly my ankle another chance to rest. "

He didn't break his promise.

In the All-Star Game, James, who started the game, only appeared for 14 minutes and scored 8 points before hanging up the exemption card, and did not play in the third and fourth quarters, leaving the stage to the young people.

Sitting on the bench, James also showed that he had never been more relaxed, and he even made fun of himself just to make everyone laugh.

"I, Wilt Chamberlain, Bob Cousy, Dr. J... That was my first All-Star game, and it was supposed to be in '68. After hearing James's words, Doncic and Jokic were already laughing from ear to ear.

James said he will receive more left ankle treatment before his next game away from Indianapolis on Friday, when Los Angeles travels to the Golden State Warriors.

James said: "Where I'm now, where we're in the team, the most important thing for me is definitely my fitness. We are moving in the right direction. ”

"Obviously, it's been a year for us at the Lakers that has been all about health. I try to do what's best for myself for the good of the team.

At the same time, he is aware that he is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning, "I don't have a plan for how many seasons I have left, I know not so much", but he does not have an accurate plan for the final stage of his career.

"I'm a part of the Lakers, I'm happy, I've been a part of the Lakers for the last six years and I'm happy to keep it up," James said. But I don't know how long I'm going to play or what shirt I'm going to wear. Hope is with the Lakers. It's a great team, there are so many great players, we'll see. "

It's a big endorsement from James for his team, who have won six of their last seven games. Just a few weeks ago, he posted an hourglass emoji on social media in the middle of the night and said he didn't know what he was going to do with his player option for the 2024-25 season — which would be his 22nd season in the league.

In 49 games this season, James averaged 24.8 points per game, his lowest since his rookie season, in addition to averaging 7.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game.

The other day, citing ESPN, James' apparent displeasure prompted Draymond Green to encourage Warriors owner Joe Lacob to call Lakers owner Jeanie Buss to inquire about trading LeBron James.

Bass instructed Lacob to speak with James' agent, Klutch Sports' Rich Paul, to discuss the star's desire to be traded. According to the report, Bath takes the satisfaction of his star players with the team very seriously. Paul turned down Lacob's attempts to trade, telling his own clients that they were not interested in trading.

He said on Sunday that he was "happy" with the Lakers, which was undoubtedly a public answer to Buss' questions about James' mentality.

James said he was not aware of the Warriors' trade attempts.

"Actually, when everybody else heard about it, I heard about it," James said. Sometimes, some conversations happen behind closed doors and you don't even know it. I guess they won't tell you until it's true or not. But I've never heard of it."

James also mentioned that his eldest son, Bronny James, has not yet decided whether he will participate in the NBA draft after his freshman season at USC.

"It's up to him, it's up to the kids," James said. We're going to go through the whole process. He's still playing. He's also going to compete in the Pac-12 tournament. We'll weigh all the options, and we'll let the kids decide."

TNT's Kenny Smith joked that he wouldn't feel pressured to leave college early to earn an NBA salary given Bronny's family wealth, and James laughed, "It's definitely not a financial issue." "

James' immediate challenge in Los Angeles is to secure a playoff spot for the Lakers with a 30-26 record and currently 9th place in the Western Conference. In addition, he reiterated his willingness to play for the United States team at the Paris Olympics this summer.

"I told myself before the season that I was committed to the Olympics, but obviously it all depends on my fitness," he said. As things stand, I'm fit enough for me to be in the national team and play at the level I know. ”

James said that when he finished his final NBA season, the ideas around the topic were still to be determined.

"I was asked this question a few days ago," James said. "'Are you going to take a farewell tour, or a farewell like Tim Duncan?'"

"Honestly, I'm half and half because sometimes I feel like I owe a favor to the fans who have been with me on a journey for more than twenty years to be able to give them that moment, in every city, whatever the situation, they give you flowers, whatever the situation. It looks pretty cool. ”

"But on the other hand, I've never been good at receiving compliments. It's a strange feeling for me. "

It's also a strange feeling for all those associated with the NBA.

"I don't know how it will end, but it's coming," James said. It'll come, and we'll see when the time comes. "