As LeBron James looks around, a lot of the players he went to war with and against throughout his career are gone. With The King entering his 14th season at 31-years-old, most players in the NBA are younger than he is now. This has forced the three-time champion to look down the road along with the recent retirements of longtime foes Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett.
“It feels like our era is next,” said James per ESPN on the first day at Cavs practice. “That’s what it feels like. Me, [Dwyane] Wade, [Carmelo Anthony], [Chris] Bosh. We’re next. We’re on deck. We’re the next group behind those guys. I mean seriously, if you look at it, we’re the next group. So that’s one of the first things that I thought about, like, once Dirk [Nowitzki], and Vince [Carter], and Paul Pierce decide to go, we’re next.”
“You just don’t take it for granted. Every time we come out here, we talk to you guys, step out on the floor, we’re going to play this game, we love it, but we’re on deck.” James reflected.
When James was asked if his best playing days are behind him? That certainly struck a nerve with the Akron native. “No. That’s insulting,” he said.
The four-time MVP commented on a more serious matter, Chris Bosh playing basketball ever again. Pat Riley recently said that James’ former teammate’s days in Miami are probably over.
“I stand behind my brother Chris, and the most important thing is his health,” James said. “So whatever decision he wants to do, and go forward, I’m all for it. I’ll support him in any way, shape or facet. Obviously we all know it’s probably a difficult situation for him, and it’s pretty surprised a little bit to hear that the team is just done with him, and then to come out and say it.”