By Aidan Leo
LeBron James has refused to put a timeline on his NBA future as he prepares to begin a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 41-year-old addressed his future during the Sixers’ media day on Monday, having signed a two-year contract with Philadelphia during the offseason.
James enters his record-extending 24th NBA season and has previously acknowledged that retirement was a consideration after his final campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, James remains focused on the present rather than looking beyond his current season.
Present the focus
“I’m not going to speak to the future right now; I’d be doing myself a disservice,” James said.
“I’m just living in the moment, especially knowing where I am in my career.
“I’m more in the present now, understanding that I’m in year 24… I just like being in the moment, and we’ll see what happens.”
James will be attempting to add a fifth NBA championship to his career record after joining a Philadelphia team that also features Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown.
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Winning the main goal
The four-time champion made clear that winning remains central to his decision to move to Philadelphia after leaving the Lakers.
“I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round. I know that for sure,” James said.
“Work needs to be done and I’m ready to get to work.”
The Sixers have not reached the NBA Finals since 2001 and last won the championship in 1983, giving James another opportunity to lead a franchise pursuing its first title in more than four decades.
James also acknowledged that the pressure surrounding the new-look Sixers will increase throughout the season.
Scrutiny at the top
“Understand that the noise is going to be the noise,” he said.
“What happens outside of this building is going to consistently happen, and it’s going to be doubled and triple and quadrupled down on you. It just comes with the territory. I understand it.”
Philadelphia’s challenge will now be integrating its collection of star players, with James stressing that sacrifice and repetition will be necessary if the team is to turn its talent into success.
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