LeBron James dismisses retirement at 2023 ESPYS Awards

Due to the Hollywood writers strike, the 2023 ESPYS took on a slightly different appearance this year and were held without a host for the first time in their 31-year existence. 

Athletes from several different sports came together on Wednesday night at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles to continue the sporting celebrations.

The night's biggest winner was Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who won the awards for best athlete, men's sports, and best NFL player. 

Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs also won the award for best team. 

Lil Wayne and H.E.R. performed, and presenters included Damar Hamlin, Dwayne Wade, Travis Kelce, Sue Bird, Mike Tyson, and Livvy Dunne.

The beneficiaries of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award were (Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks and Lauren Holiday, a retired member of the United States Women's National Team).

On Wednesday, LeBron James made it official that he would play his 21st NBA season with the Lakers.

After winning the ESPY for Best Record-Breaking Performance in recognition of his overtaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA's all-time scoring list last season, James spoke about his future.

He said, “I don’t care how many more points I can score or what I can or can’t do on the floor. 

“The real question for me is, can I play without cheating this game? 

"The day I can’t play without giving everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.”

James will now be teammates with Nigerian-American professional basketball star Gabe Vincent, who recently joined the Lakers from the Miami Heat.