James: My goal has never been solely to make the All-Star team; when the time to say goodbye comes, I will accept it calmly.

On February 2nd Beijing time, the Lakers were defeated 100-112 by the Knicks on the road. James logged 34 minutes and 34 seconds, scoring 22 points with 5 rebounds and 6 assists, making 9 of 15 shots, 2 of 6 from beyond the arc, and 2 of 6 free throws. After the match, he gave an interview—

James: Clearly, our three-point shooting has been a big problem. We have struggled to consistently make shots from outside, while our opponents capitalized on second-chance opportunities and hit clutch shots at the end of possessions.

Reporter: Before the game, we learned you were selected for the All-Star roster again. You have mentioned many times that this isn't a goal you actively pursue, but now in your 23rd season, maintaining All-Star level still — what does that mean to you?

James: Honestly, it’s truly humbling. This honor wouldn’t be possible without the coaches’ recognition, and I deeply respect them for seeing that even at this stage of my career, I’m still giving my all. Being named an All-Star means a lot to my family, the fans who have supported me throughout my journey, and everyone who has backed me along the way. I can only say it feels amazing. From a humble perspective, having your hard work pay off in the end is a very rewarding feeling.

Reporter: It’s been a year since the Doncic trade. As the roster gradually gels and the new team finds its rhythm, how far do you think this team is from contending for a championship?

James: I’ll just speak about our current team. We stand at 29 wins and 19 losses, experiencing both highlights and rough patches. We hope to keep improving from here. Beyond that, it’s not really my place to comment on other topics.

Our main priority now is to keep getting stronger. During the All-Star break, we should use that time to fix our weaknesses, especially since there are still 48 games left in the season. So, this question is tough to answer—whether it’s divisional competition or league-wide, the level of challenge is very high. Plus, we’ve been battling injuries all season, with the roster constantly changing and unstable. Unfortunately, our All-Star shooting guard (Reaves) has been out for a long time, and he’s one of the core players. Given all that, it’s hard to pinpoint the true ceiling of this team.

Reporter: Did you ever feel your All-Star streak was at risk this year?

James: Honestly, I never thought about that. I missed the first 14 games of the season, and my goal was never “I must make the All-Star team.” I just wanted to regain my rhythm and play at a high level again. I knew that once I overcame the rust from missing training camp and the offseason workouts, I was fully capable. Keep in mind, I’ve never missed summer training in my career. So, to be frank, the All-Star selection wasn’t on my mind at all then.

Reporter: How do you feel physically right now after this intense stretch of games?

James: Look at me now—how do I look? Even I can hardly believe it. I think I’m feeling pretty good. By the way, didn’t I just surpass 60,000 career minutes played? Hopefully, I still look in good shape—yeah, I feel pretty solid.

Reporter: Looking back at your career, what does playing at Madison Square Garden mean to you?

James: It means everything. This is the basketball cathedral of New York. You know, this is the “Big Apple,” and just playing at Madison Square Garden is an honor in itself.

Countless legends have played on this court throughout history—not only basketball players but also entertainers, actors, musicians, and more. Celebrities from all walks of life have left their mark here. I hope to be among those players who have competed here, even if it’s just leaving a small footprint in basketball history. From a professional player’s perspective, that’s pretty cool. Plus, the atmosphere here is always electric. They always make a point to have me play in weekend games, which is a really special treat.

Reporter: What was it like hearing the crowd cheer for you during the starting lineup announcements?

James: It was so cool, really cool. I’ve always loved the fans here and have a deep affection for New York City. They have a unique understanding of basketball and sports—they know what true excellence looks like. I respect them just as much.

Reporter: We know you never shy away from discussing your career plans, and you’re still performing at an elite level with good physical condition. If in the future you never get to play again in arenas like Madison Square Garden, would you feel regret?

James: Ultimately, everything has an end. Sooner or later, there will come a day when I can no longer step onto the court at Madison Square Garden or compete in certain arenas, and I will have to say farewell to the game. When that time comes, it won’t really matter much—you always miss the game, miss basketball itself. Of course, Madison Square Garden will always hold a special place in my career because it’s the basketball cathedral. But when the farewell moment arrives, I will accept it with peace.