LeBron James Reacts to Manu Ginobili’s Retirement

San Antonio Spurs Star Manu Ginobili made an official announcement of his retirement from the NBA. Pretty much everyone in the association showed their respect for the legend, including Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

Ginobili retired after sixteen seasons with the NBA. “IMMENSE GRATITUDE to everyone (family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans) involved in my life in the last 23 years. It’s been a fabulous journey. Way beyond my wildest dreams.” His retirement didn’t surprise many of his fans.

The Argentinian guard received an outpour of respect from everyone in the world of NBA. King James took to Twitter to express his feelings for Manu Ginobili.

“Basketball right now which is the “Euro Step”!!!! God bless you, thanks for the playing the game the right way and for the competition!!!” LeBron wrote.

basketball right now which is the “Euro Step”!!!! God bless you, thanks for the playing the game the right way and for the competition!!! ?? ???

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 28, 2018

So, what made Ginobili retire now? Most fans say that the loss of teammate Tony Parker had a huge role in his decision to step back. Ginobili was the only remaining teammate from his first days with the Spurs. Parker inked a two-year contract with the Charlotte Hornets this summer. Dejounte Murray inherited the point guard position after Parker’s departure.

Ginobili would’ve get additional $2.5 million if he played this season, but he decided that it’s time to retire. He played 16 NBA seasons wearing a Spurs uniform. The team confirmed his retirement shortly after he made the decision. “Four-time NBA Champion Concludes 16-year career in San Antonio. San Antonio Spurs guard Many Ginobili today announced that he will retire after a 23-year professional career,” the official release read.

Ginobili played 16 seasons in the NBA, and another seven in Argentina and Italy. The Spurs drafted him in 1999 with the 57th overall pick.

Fans would agree that Ginobili was one of the most fun players to watch, thanks to his nice style of one-on-one ball-handling maneuvers and acrobatic finishes.

Thank you, Manu Ginobili!