During the ESPY Awards in 2023, LeBron James stunned the crowd with a fakeout.

After surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record in February, the 38-year-old star of the Los Angeles Lakers took the stage to be acknowledged as the highest scorer in NBA history.

Before talking about his future in the NBA, James began by praising his wife Savannah James and expressing his pride in his teenage sons, LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., 18, and Bryce Maximus, 16.

He said, “I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep playing when the season ended.” And I’m aware that many experts have already told you what I stated, but at this point I’m speaking for myself. I kept wondering myself at that point if I could continue to play without tampering with the game.

“Is it still possible for me to give everything to the game?” he said. In all honesty, for the past few years, I’ve been asking myself this question at the conclusion of the season. Simply put, I never discuss it in public.

He paused for a while before saying, “The day I can’t give the game everything on the floor, is the day I’ll be done.”

Everyone was gripping their seats, waiting to see if the sportsman would declare his retirement.

He grinned and continued, “Lucky for you guys, that day is not today,” to cheers from the audience.

Observing his sons play baseball with their coaches and teammates, he continued, “brings me back every year.”

“Seeing those kids makes me want to go back to where I play,” he remarked. Those youngsters help me get back on track. However, I do have anything left. Plenty remaining.

Before James could begin his speech, his wife gave him an incredible introduction, which added to the night’s memorable moments.

“I made the decision to share my thoughts with you. Savannah remarked, “LeBron James is the baddest mother—” but was cut off by their 8-year-old daughter Zhuri, which made the audience laugh heartily.

“I think LeBron James is the baddest to ever set foot on a basketball court,” she clarified later. Nobody puts in more effort than them. Nobody has contributed more to the game of basketball or shown greater concern for it.