Fans have been speculating whether LeBron James has played his last season in the NBA after the Lakers’ season ended on Monday with a 115-110 loss to the Thunder in Game 4 of the conference semis. James entered the season on an expiring contract for the first time in his NBA career.
The 41-year-old sat out the first three weeks of the season with sciatica, but was available throughout the rest of the year. James also made the All-Star team as a reserve. However, the huge question about retirement looms again, given that he’s out of contract this summer. James addressed questions regarding that in his final post-game interview of the season, saying:
“I don’t know, obviously. We’re still fresh from losing. I don’t know what the future holds for me. As it stands right now tonight … I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family and talk to them, spend some time with them, and when the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do.”
James shared a similar response after the Lakers lost in the first round to Minnesota last year. He had a player option, so many expected him to return one way or another. Most of the offseason passed by with reports emerging around James switching teams. However, he opted into his contract and stuck with the Lakers.
After a fairly successful run to the conference semis despite Luka Doncic’s absence and Austin Reaves missing the first four games of the playoffs, LeBron James could consider playing for another year and returning to the Lakers.
With a star like Doncic and the team building catered well to the team’s big-three’s strengths, the Lakers have the potential to make a deep run despite James turning 42 two months into next season. James also resides in LA with his family and his son, Bronny, is also under contract with the Lakers for two more seasons.
LeBron James says he left everything on the table in year 23
LeBron James will end his 23rd season without any regrets. The Lakers star believes he did everything he could and left everything on the floor for his team.
“Listen, s**t, I left everything I could out on the floor. … I’m not looking at my year as a disappointment, that’s for damn sure,” he said (via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin).
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 regular-season games. He shot 51.5% from the field while playing as a third option. In the playoffs, as the No.1 option, James averaged 23.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 7.8 apg in nine games. He led the team to a first-round series win over Houston without Luka Doncic, while Austin Reaves played only two games, where LA went 1-1.
LeBron James led the Lakers in points and assists in the postseason. It proved that he can still perform on a high level when asked to dominate possessions. While he’s not any closer to his prime, James can still be an efficient contributor in his 24th season should he return.
