Basketball player LeBron James declined to discuss retirement — Anadolu Agency

Basketball player LeBron James said he would not discuss his future and a possible retirement ahead of his record-setting 24th NBA season. The 41-year-old made the statement at the Philadelphia 76ers' media day, a team he joined this summer.

Focused on the present

James said he wants to live in the present, given the stage of his career. According to him, thinking about the future would not allow him to properly focus on his current work. The basketball player noted that he is aware of his 24th season in the league and wants to see what happens next.

As reported by Anadolu Agency, James signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia club. In his final season with the Los Angeles Lakers, he earned $52.6 million. The agency calls the move the largest salary reduction in NBA history.

Fight for the championship

James also said he wants to pass on to his teammates the experience, knowledge and approach needed to achieve results they have not yet had in their careers. He expressed hope that his attitude toward the game and work would help every player on the team.

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The basketball player expects the 76ers to be able to contend for a deep playoff run. James stressed that he did not leave his family to lose in the second round and added that he is ready to work.

Last season, Philadelphia finished the regular season with 45 wins and 37 losses. In the second round of the playoffs, the team lost to the New York Knicks, losing every game in the series; the Knicks later became NBA champions. The 76ers have not won an NBA title since 1983.

James is the highest-scoring player in NBA history, a four-time league champion, four-time regular-season MVP and four-time Finals MVP. He previously played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.