"This is my last decision": LeBron explained why he chose Philadelphia
Following his move to Philadelphia, 41-year-old NBA star LeBron James declared: "I'm not doing this for the money and not for the family. I still want to compete, win, and feel the feeling of winning a championship again."
Minutes after stunning the basketball world and announcing his move to Philadelphia, LeBron James released a sincere personal statement in which he explained the reasons for the decision to open a new chapter in his career at the age of 41.
"I believe I can help turn Philadelphia into a championship-winning team, and I am very excited to bring energy to a new fan base and start this incredible journey for the last time," said James.
He then bid farewell to the key stages of his career: "Thank you, Los Angeles. I love beating Miami, and northeast Ohio will always be my home."
LeBron also made it clear that, from his perspective, the end of his career is just around the corner: "This is my last decision. I'm not doing this for the money. I'm not doing this for the family. What am I really playing for at this stage?"
He then explained what still drives him:
"I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, win, and get a chance to feel the feeling of winning a championship again. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give."
The veteran star also addressed the period leading up to the decision: "The last few weeks have been truly special. I've never been in a situation where I had no idea what to do, and I could take real time just to think. I had a few amazing months with all the people I love, while we tried to figure it all out."
"I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn't ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really make a decision, but I was pretty sure I had already played my last game. I was honest at the last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love the game."
James signed a two-year contract with Philadelphia worth $8 million, which includes a player option for the second season. With this, he ends his path with the Los Angeles Lakers and sets out on what he defined himself as "this incredible journey for the last time."
