Lakers star LeBron James eased his way to the interview podium Sunday with a giant water jug in his hand and a do-rag covering his hair, the last of the NBA All-Stars to speak with the media.
James was selected as a reserve, breaking his NBA record of 21 consecutive starts but still extending his record for most appearances to 22.
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At 41 and playing in his record 23rd season, James was asked about his future, because his eventual retirement always seems to be a source of curiosity.
So, James was asked before he played in the “U.S. vs. “World” All-Star Game tournament at Intuit Dome whether he had any inkling about what he wants to do next season.
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“I want to live,” James said. “When I know, you guys will know. I don’t know. I have no idea. I just want to live. That’s all.”
James played on Team Stripes, joining fellow veterans Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, who didn’t play because of a right knee injury.
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They are long-time combatants, friends and U.S. Olympic teammates. And they are All-Stars again, all older than 37 and still playing at a high level.
“It’s always an honor to see those guys,” James said. “We have had such an unbelievable journey througout our individual careers and then intersecting at certain points in our careers, matchups in the regular season, Finals appearances, postseason appearances, then Olympics two summers ago. When it comes to me, Steph and KD, we’ll be interlocked for the rest of our careers, for sure. It’s been great to be able to have some moments with those guys, versus those guys, teaming up with those guys.”
The NBA all-star format has changed from East versus the West to U.S. versus the World.
USA Stars forward Scottie Barnes, left, celebrates with Cade Cunningham hitting a game-winner in the first matchup of the NBA All-Star Game tournament Sunday at the Intuit Dome. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
There are three teams — USA Stars, USA Stripes and Team World, and they played 12-minute games in a round-robin tournament.
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Game 1 was Team World vs. Team Stars, a game that went into overtime after Anthony Edwards tied the score at 32-32 at the end of the first 12 minutes.
The first team to score five points won in overtime in the new format. Team Stars won on a Scottie Barnes three pointer, giving the American squad a 37-35 victory.
Victor Wembanaya led Team World with 14 points, six rebounds and three blocks.
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Anthony Edwards had 13 points for Team Stars, which will play Team Stripes next.
James and Clippers star Kawhi Leonard are on the USA Stripes and Lakers superstar Luka Doncic, the leading all-star vote getter, is on Team World because he is from Slovenia.
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James was asked whether he could have ever imagined a USA versus the World all-star format.
“No,” James said, laughing. “No. I mean, East-West is definitely, it’s a tradition. It’s been really good. Obviously, I like the East and West format. But they are trying something. But we’ll see what happens. I mean, it’s the US versus the World. The World is gigantic over the U.S. So, I’m just trying to figure out how that makes sense. But, I don’t want to dive too much into that. Yeah, East-West is great. We’ll see what happens with this.”
Just before the tipoff of the first game, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama were introduced to a standing ovation.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
