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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James revealed his picks for the participants in Super Bowl 59 on Thursday.
James predicted a matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens, a rematch of Super Bowl 47. However, he was unable to choose a winner.
"I just want to see a great one," James explained. "I love NFL guys, I don't want to be on somebody's bad terms."
The Kansas City Chiefs will be attempting to win their third consecutive Super Bowl after defeating Baltimore in last season's AFC Championship Game, but James still believes that the Ravens can overcome Patrick Mahomes and secure a conference title.
"I'm not counting out Pat Mahomes just like you'd never count out Tom Brady, obviously," he said on Thursday. "But I just feel like this could be Baltimore's year."
The Ravens earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC entering the 2023 playoffs, finishing with a record of 13-4 while Lamar Jackson earned the second MVP award of his career. Baltimore lost some defensive starters in free agency such as linebacker Patrick Queen and safety Geno Stone, but the team also added four-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry.
San Francisco has become a perennial contender under head coach Kyle Shanahan, making it to the NFC Championship Game in four of the past five seasons. The 49ers have also appeared in the Super Bowl twice with Shanahan patrolling the sidelines, including a narrow 25-22 overtime loss to the Chiefs on Feb. 11.
It's been a busy offseason for San Francisco, signing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a four-year extension worth $120 million on Aug. 29. The 49ers also reworked the contract of All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams on Tuesday.
If both teams can build upon their respective 2023 seasons, James' prediction could end up coming to fruition.
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