LeBron James Says He Will Continue Playing, Celebrates Love for Basketball at ESPYS

• NBA

Los Angeles Lakers' superstar LeBron James announced his plans to continue his basketball career at the ESPYS in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. Despite already securing his place in the annals of basketball history, his passion for the sport remains fervently intact.

"I don't care how many more points I score, or what I can or cannot do on the floor," James shared after accepting the ESPY award for Best Record-Breaking Performance. His achievement for surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scorer provided the context for this reflective acceptance speech.

He mused, "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." This moment of declaration was preceded by a warm introduction: "Please welcome to the stage, the GOAT, respectfully, LeBron James," as announced by Savannah.

Inspiration from the Next Generation

James, set to turn 39 in December, used the stage not only to assert his continued commitment to basketball but also to share how his children have fanned the flames of his enduring passion.

"I love this game. I love the game of basketball," James reiterated. He drew attention to a viral video capturing his enthusiastic coaching for his son Bryce's team. "There's a video going around right now on the internet of me coaching Bryce's team last weekend...

'LeBron brings the energy to a high school AAU game the same way he would do to a Finals game.' And to me, that's the ultimate compliment." The 20-year veteran vowed that he had never and would never cheat the game, highlighting his deep respect and gratitude for the sport.

"Every time I step foot on the floor, either coaching my boys, or playing, I want to give it everything," he said. "I do it for myself, for some of my past and present teammates, for all the greats that came before me, and most importantly, for the fans, the lovers of the game."