Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James says he floated the idea of retirement after the Lakers lost in Game 4 to the Denver Nuggets on Monday. Here’s what you need to know:
- James ended his post-game press conference by saying, “I have a lot to think about… Personally, with me moving forward with basketball, I have a lot to think about.”
- The 38-year-old had 40 points in Los Angeles’ loss on Monday, including 31 in the first half. He played every last second of the first half, helping Los Angeles take a 15-point halftime and full second half lead.
- James and the Lakers were eliminated with a 113-111 loss to the Nuggets, who swept to reach their first-ever NBA Finals.
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What to make of LeBron’s comments
James dropped a cliffhanger at the end of his post-match press conference, hinting at the possibility of retiring for the first time in his career.
Given James’ comments throughout the past year about playing several more years, possibly playing with or against his eldest son, Bronny, and teammate Dennis Schroder telling a German publication that James had him says he wanted to be like Tom Brady and play until he was 45, that seems like a premature discussion. In real time, it was as if James was just broadcasting his thoughts.
Plus, he’s been known to put pressure on his teams through the media and social media, and this could be one of those instances where James wants the Lakers to make further roster upgrades. for next season. Despite reaching the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers didn’t get much offense from anyone other than Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and Schroder in Game 4.
They have an opportunity this offseason to sign or trade Kyrie Irving, who James pushed the Lakers to try to acquire at the Feb. 9 trade deadline and who sat on the court in Game 4, his second appearance at a Lakers postseason game. Nonetheless, James’ flair for the dramatic kicked off what promises to be another gripping offseason for the Lakers. — Chip
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LeBron James retirement comment casts uncertainty over Lakers future
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Monday’s loss marked the end of James’ 20th season in the NBA and fifth with the Lakers. It was also the third time James had been swept in his NBA playoff career.
The 19-time All-Star entered Game 4 averaging 23.5 points with 9.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game this postseason.
Earlier this year, James – a four-time NBA champion and most valuable player – passed Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
James is under contract with the Lakers through the 2024-25 season.
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(Photo: Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)