LeBron unsure if he'll seek retirement tour or 'Tim Duncan it'
LeBron James doesn't know how he'll mark the end of his career.
"I don't know how many seasons I have left. I know it's not that many," James said at his All-Star media availability Sunday, according to The Washington Post's Ben Golliver. "I was asked this question a couple days ago, 'Will you take the farewell tour or just 'Tim Duncan' it?' I'm 50-50."
James added: "There's times where I feel like I owe it to my fans that's been along this journey with me for two decades plus to be able to give them that moment, where it's every city, and they give you flowers. … But the other side, I've never been that great with accepting praise. It's a weird feeling."
The Los Angeles Lakers star is in the middle of his 21st NBA season. He openly pondered the end of his illustrious career following a sweep at the hands of the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals last year.
Duncan announced his retirement in the 2016 offseason after the San Antonio Spurs lost in the postseason. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, in comparison, announced he'd retire during the 2015-16 campaign and embarked on a farewell tour.
James is averaging 24.8 points, 7.8 assists, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 49 games this season. The Lakers are just 30-26, ranking ninth in the Western Conference.
His agent, Rich Paul, dispelled rumors of a trade request prior to the deadline and All-Star Weekend. James also reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise Sunday.
"I am a Laker, and I am happy and have been very happy being a Laker the last six years, and hopefully it stays that way," the 39-year-old said, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
James has $51.4-million player option for this offseason.
"I don't have the answer to how long it is (until I retire), or which uniform I'll be in," James said, according to The Athletic's Joe Vardon and Sam Amick. "Hopefully, it is the Lakers, it is a great organization, so many greats. I don't know how it's going to end, but it's coming. It's coming for sure."