Video: Lakers’ LeBron James reveals his Super Bowl 59 picks ahead of the 2024 NFL season | News, results, highlights, stats and rumors
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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James announced his picks for Super Bowl 59 participants on Thursday.
James predicted a matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens, a rematch of Super Bowl 47. However, he could not predict a winner.
“I just want to see a great game,” James explained. “I love NFL guys and I don’t want to be at loggerheads with anyone.”
The Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to win their third consecutive Super Bowl after defeating Baltimore in last season’s AFC Championship Game, but James still believes the Ravens can defeat Patrick Mahomes and secure a conference title.
“I’m not ruling out Pat Mahomes, just like you would never rule out Tom Brady, of course,” he said Thursday. “But I just feel like this could be Baltimore’s year.”
The Ravens secured the first seed in the AFC entering the 2023 playoffs and finished the season with a 13-4 record, while Lamar Jackson earned the second MVP award of his career. Baltimore lost several defensive starters such as linebacker Patrick Queen and safety Geno Stone to free agency, but was also able to sign four-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry.
San Francisco has become a perennial contender under head coach Kyle Shanahan, making the NFC Championship Game in four of the last five seasons. The 49ers have also played in the Super Bowl twice with Shanahan as a team, including a close 25-22 overtime loss to the Chiefs on Feb. 11.
San Francisco has had a busy offseason. On August 29, the 49ers signed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million contract extension. On Tuesday, the 49ers also re-signed All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.
If both teams can build on their respective 2023 seasons, James’ prediction could end up coming true.