LeBron James left ample room for speculation about what’s next for him.
He was coy when speaking about his future with reporters moments after the Lakers were swept out of the playoffs by the Nuggets 113-111 in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Monday evening at Crypto.com Arena.
When asked if he knew his plans for next yr, James definitely wasn’t definitive, and offered a solution that seemingly left open the likelihood he’s played his last NBA game.
“We’ll see, we’ll see what happens going forward,” James said. “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve got lots to take into consideration, to be honest. I’ve got lots to take into consideration, to be honest. Only for me, going forward with the sport of basketball, I’ve got lots to take into consideration. Appreciate it.”
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer left the rostrum after answering.
James was good in attempting to help the Lakers stave off elimination, but his 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists weren’t enough to carry off the No. 1 seeded Nuggets in Game 4.
At 38-years-old, James just accomplished his twentieth season within the NBA on the identical day friend Carmel Anthony announced his retirement.
James has two years and $97 million left on his contract, with the ultimate yr being a player option.
It was a roller-coaster yr for James and the Lakers, who advanced to the conference finals because the No. 7 seed despite starting the season 2-10.
James played just 55 games in the course of the regular season, missing extensive time with a foot injury because the team floundered around the ultimate playoff spots.
The Lakers rallied late within the season after James returned, nonetheless, and beat the Timberwolves within the Play-In Tournament before eliminating the Grizzlies and Warriors in the primary two rounds of the playoffs before they’re sweep by Denver.
James has long said that he desires to play within the NBA on the identical team, as his son Bronny.
Bronny James was a McDonald’s All-American this yr while playing at Sierra Canyon, and recently committed to play collegiately at USC.
He was ranked because the No. 38 player in his class by ESPN.
If LeBron James wants to satisfy his dream of twiddling with his son, the earliest it might be possible can be the 2024-25 season, if Bronny James leaves as a one-and-done.
“I used to be serious, and I’m still serious about [playing in the NBA with Bronny],” James told reporters recently. “Simply because it’s my aspiration, it doesn’t mean it’s his. It’s not what you would like. It’s about listening to your kids and what they need.”
LeBron James, no less than for a moment on Monday, sounded unsure of what he wants next.
