Lakers' LeBron James confirms return for 21st NBA season - ESPN

There's still time left on the clock for LeBron James' career.

The Lakers star announced Wednesday night at the ESPYS in Los Angeles that he will continue playing.

James openly pondered retirement after the Lakers' playoff sweep by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals, but he will become the sixth player in NBA history to play in his 21st season or beyond — joining Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Robert Parish, Kevin Willis and Vince Carter, who has the record with 22.

«I don't care how many more points I score or what I can or cannot do on the floor,» James said after accepting the ESPY award for Best Record-Breaking Performance for passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scorer. «The real question for me is: Can I play without cheating this game? The day I can't give everything on the floor is the day I'll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.»

James was presented the award by his wife, Savannah, who was joined by their three children: 18-year-old Bronny, 16-year-old Bryce and 8-year-old Zhuri.

«Please welcome to the stage, the GOAT, respectfully, LeBron James,» Savannah said.

James, who will turn 39 in December, used the occasion to reflect on how his children have fueled his continued passion for the game of basketball.

Bronny Jr. will be a freshman on the USC men's basketball team in the fall. Bryce transferred to Campbell Hall High School, where he will play his junior season. James recently coached Bryce's AAU team, Strive For Greatness, at the Peach Jam tournament in South Carolina.

«Tonight, I want to use this moment to just say something that I've said a million times and I will never get sick of talking about it: I love this game. I love the game of basketball,»