NBA legend LeBron James has dismissed speculation about retirement as he prepares for his record-extending 24th season following his summer move to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The veteran forward will launch what many expect to be the final phase of his career at his first training camp with the franchise, having signed a two-year contract worth $8m (£6m) with a player option for the second season.
James kept the basketball world in suspense for several weeks before revealing his decision to join Philadelphia over the summer. He spent eight seasons with the Lakers, where he won one championship, before leaving Los Angeles for Philadelphia.
Should James capture a title with the 76ers, Philadelphia would become the fourth franchise to win a championship with him on the roster. He previously claimed two titles in Miami, one in Cleveland and one with Los Angeles.
At the Sixers' media day, James addressed the constant chatter surrounding his future.
I'm not going to speak to the future right now; I'd be doing myself a disservice. I'm just living in the moment, especially knowing where I am in my career. Me trying to focus on what my future looks like, I wouldn't be giving myself grace. 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.
The prospect of delivering a championship to Joel Embiid, who has never won a ring, forms a significant part of James' drive. The 39-year-old forward, who will turn 42 in December, made his ambitions crystal clear.
I didn't leave my family (in Los Angeles) to lose in the second round. I know that for sure. Work needs to be done and I'm ready to get to work.
Much like his role in Cleveland, where he ended a 56-year championship drought by leading the Cavaliers to the 2016 title, James has arrived in Philadelphia with a similar mission. The 76ers have not won a championship since 1983, a 41-year gap the franchise desperately wants to close.
Last season proved frustrating for Philadelphia, which finished 45-37 before suffering a sweep at the hands of the eventual champion New York Knicks in the second round.
Preseason action underway
James made his preseason debut for Philadelphia on October 8, recording 10 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal in 18:04 as the 76ers lost 114–108 to Brooklyn. In that outing, James made his only field-goal attempt and all eight free throws.
The 76ers had opened their preseason schedule with a dominant performance, defeating New York 120–97 on October 5, with Jaylen Brown leading the team with 22 points.
The Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia shortly before James signed with the 76ers, adding another star to the roster alongside Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
All three players, along with James, were present at media day as the franchise prepared for what many regard as the most significant season in Philadelphia since the Julius Erving era.
Experience and leadership
James emphasised the value he brings beyond his on-court abilities, pointing to his vast experience across multiple franchises and championship runs.
I hope that I can bring that experience, bring that knowledge, bring the blueprint to the guys that's trying to accomplish some things that they haven't done in their career. I've seen everything that this league has to offer on the floor and off the floor, so I hope that every single day with my approach to the game, approach to the work, that it can translate to every single guy.
He also acknowledged the external pressures that come with joining a franchise with championship expectations.
Understand that the noise is going to be the noise. 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. I think the luxury of my game is, I can do everything. Literally, I can do everything.
Recent reports suggested tension between James and Embiid, with claims that James had admonished his teammate for arriving late to practice. However, James publicly denied the report, and Embiid also said the reported incident never happened.
What comes next
Philadelphia is scheduled to face Boston in a preseason matchup on October 16 before launching the regular season. The 76ers will open their campaign at the New York Knicks on October 20, setting up an immediate test against the defending champions.
