LeBron James Tells Shameless Lie About Not Wanting A Farewell Tour: 'Uncomfortable With Praise'

LeBron James prefers avoiding the spotlight … according to LeBron James. 

Disregard the countless video tributes and documentaries; the fact that he's been on Letterman; or even the undisputed fact that he's been the face of the NBA for two decades … 

James tried to sell that he doesn't handle attention well. The 39-year-old Lakers superstar and self-described King shared this ground-breaking nugget of insight Sunday, speaking to the media ahead of the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. 

Never known for his humility, James gave a dubious response when asked if he expects the NBA to lob him a farewell tour in his final season. Whenever that happens.

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"I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left. I know it’s not that man," LeBron shared. 

"I also don’t know if I will... I was asked this question a couple days ago. Will you kind of take the farewell tour, or will you kind of just Tim Duncan it?"

James said if he ultimately embraces the ‘farewell tour’ storyline, it'll be as an ode to his fans. And that he's terrible at accepting praise. 

"I’m 50-50, I’m going to be honest, because there’s times when I feel like I guess I owe it to my fans that have been along this journey with me for two decades plus, to be able to give them that moment where it’s every city and whatever the case may be and they give you your flowers or whatever the case may be. That seems cool.

"But the other side of I’ve never been that great with accepting like praise. It’s a weird feeling for me. I never really talked about it much, but it’s just a weird feeling for me. So to go in each city, if that’s the case -- I don’t know. I’ve seen Mike’s, I’ve seen Kobe’s. I’ve seen a lot of guys. I just don’t know how much I — how I’d feel. I don’t know if I’d feel great about it."

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Western Conference All-Stars speaks to the media prior to the 2024 NBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 18, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The vet plays in his 20th All-Star Game on Sunday. Adam Silver and the NBA have their fingers crossed for LeBron James to play several more years (smart money's on retiring after two more seasons) as the league's relevance braces for turbulent times. 

James never tried making things about himself. But the final season finale will surely be documented unless he does Houdini out of the game, which could be the ultimate twist.

LeBron still has to play with son Bronny James, his final box to check before retiring. James attended USC's loss against the Colorado Buffaloes at Galen Center Saturday night, getting early scouting data on his soon-to-be teammate. 

Until he hangs it up, LeBron continues to meekly absorb all that attention.

Follow along on X:@AlejandroAveela