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LeBron James wants to stay in the present — he’s not focused on the future yet.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar enjoyed playing in his 22nd All-Star Game Sunday night at the Intuit Dome for Team Stripes in the revamped format the league introduced this season.
The media was curious if this was not only his final All-Star Game, but rather his final NBA season, as the 41-year-old has yet to make a decision for the 2026-27 season.
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Team USA Stripes forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after game two during the 75th NBA All Star Game at the Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
But as he’s said before, James doesn’t yet know what he wants to do.
“I want to live,” he told reporters before playing in the game. “When I know, you guys will know. I don’t know. I have no idea. I just want to live, that’s all.”
LEBRON JAMES ENDS HISTORIC 21-YEAR STREAM AFTER MISSING TOO MANY GAMES THIS SEASON
James was originally scheduled to speak during Saturday’s availability, but he called his own news conference Sunday, leading some to speculate that he would make a decision about his future.
Instead, it was nothing of the sort.
James’ 22 All-Star Game appearances is an NBA record, which he continued on Sunday. While it’s a given that he’ll be in the game every season he continues to play, James remains a magnificent player for the Lakers.
This season, James has played in 36 games, averaging 22 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game for the team in fifth place in the Western Conference.
Team USA Stripes forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on before the start of the 75th NBA All Star Game at the Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
However, James snapped his streak of consecutive All-NBA Team appearances at 21 consecutive nominations after missing his 18th game this season. James will not qualify for the 65-game minimum requirement to be considered for league awards, according to the collective bargaining agreement.
For the first time since 2004, James will not be on either of those teams.
James’ legacy in the NBA needs no explanation. He holds several all-time records, including most points scored by a single player, which continues to increase with the game.
And while it appears he may go at least one more season, speculation will continue to flourish until James gives a definitive answer about his future. That speculation ranges from one more season with the Lakers to a retirement trip with the Cleveland Cavaliers — his hometown team with which he began his career and won an NBA championship.
Team USA Stripes forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball in game four against Team Stars during the 75th NBA All Star Game at the Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Until a decision is made, James looks forward to helping his Lakers reach the playoffs to chase another title in the City of Angels.
