LeBron James: 'Legacy will speak for itself'
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James said he hasn’t thought about his legacy on the basketball court, adding what he does off the court helps define who he is.
James was asked by the Today Show's Matt Lauer if he has begun to think about his legacy.
“No, I really haven't. I think legacy will speak for itself," James said. "Who I am as a man and what I do off the floor defines my legacy more than what I do on the court. That's just how I've always thought about it, but I don't really get caught up into it too much.”
James appeared on Today to promote his first appearance in a feature-length film, the comedy Trainwreck, which hits theaters July 17.
James is a four-time NBA MVP, 11-time All-Star and has been to six NBA finals, winning two championships.
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This season, the Cavaliers lost the NBA finals in six games to the Golden State Warriors, despite James averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists, becoming the first player in finals history to lead both teams in points, assists and rebounds for the entire series.
James recently declined his $21.6 million player option for next season, becoming an unrestricted free agent. He has yet to announce his future plans.
The 30-year-old James was asked by Lauer how he avoids the pitfalls of many other athletes who have gotten into trouble with the law.
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“I just live my life. It comes to point where you are able to prioritize what’s important and what’s not important,” James said. “The game of basketball is very important to me. My family and my friends is more important. I love the game, but I don’t take it for granted. I’m not entitled to anything. But I also represent a much bigger calling than just basketball."
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