LeBron James Is Thrilled By Dick Vitale's Health Announcement
Today at 07:56 PM
The basketball world has been waiting for the next update on the health of beloved commentator Dick Vitale, and he recently provided that update.
Vitale has been battling health issues over the last few years, forcing him to abandon his longtime spot in the press box calling college basketball games. After being diagnosed with lymph node cancer in June and undergoing surgery, Vitale announced that he was cancer-free in December.
This week, the legendary announcer noted that he would be able to return to commentary on ESPN at some point, as his vocal cords are now cancer-free.
Many basketball fans and personalities were happy to hear the news, including LeBron James.
"College hoops ain't the same w/o Dicky V calling them!," James said on X on Thursday night.
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 College hoops ain't the same w/o Dicky V calling them! https://t.co/C7sMjIaU98
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 9, 2025
James didn't play college basketball, but Vitale did call some of his games at St. Vincent-St. Mary's High School in Akron, Ohio.
Vitale has been a part of ESPN's college basketball coverage since the very beginning, calling the network's first-ever college basketball game between DePaul and Wisconsin in 1979.
He last called a game for ESPN during the 2022-23 season, covering the Champions Classic matchup between Kentucky and Michigan State.
"There is no evidence of cancer anywhere in the voice box," Vitale's doctor said in a video the commentator shared on social media.
"It's pretty amazing at this point ... The cancer that we treated, it is completely resolved, and the radiation helped. There's no question about it. At this point, your vocal function is outstanding. I haven't heard your voice like this in a while."
The doctor also assured Vitale that he would be able to return to broadcasting games.
"Dick, you're back," he said. "And your vocal cords are not going to hold you up. No question about it. We've been down this road a long time. I didn't know we could get here, but we are here. And you're ready to be with your viewers, players, ESPN. You're ready to be with everyone again."
We'll see when Vitale returns to the booth, as fans are eagerly awaiting his comeback after dealing with so many health issues.
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