LeBron James makes cryptic statement, confirms to ESPN thoughts about retiring
The L.A. Lakers heard the final buzzer on Monday night that signaled the end of their 2023 playoff run but the storied franchise may have also seen the end of one of the greatest careers of all time. Star forward LeBron James ended his press conference after the 113-111 loss to the Nuggets with a statement that has once again stirred up the conversation about his retirement.
“Going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about,” James told reporters.
The 38-year-old led his team with 40 points, becoming the oldest player to do so in a playoff game, but it wasn’t enough to stop the sweep by Denver. While the Nuggets embark on their first NBA finals trip and the Lakers pack up their lockers, LeBron has “a lot to think about.”
The former Cleveland and Miami star clarified to ESPN after the game that he is in fact contemplating retirement before next year.
“If I want to continue to play,” James said specifically about what he is considering and whether he would walk away from the game. “I got to think about it.”
LeBron waiting for Bronny?
Despite his most recent comments, the four-time NBA MVP has previously stated that he wants to wait to retire until his son has entered the league.
Bronny James is a senior in high school and will play for the USC Trojans in 2023-24. The combo guard is currently ranked as a five-star recruit and the No. 9 overall player in the country for the class of 2023, according to On3. James will be eligible to play in the NBA for the 2024-25 season.
“I was serious, and I’m still serious about it,” LeBron said earlier this month. “Obviously I’ve gotta continue to keep my body and my mind fresh. I think my mind, most importantly. If my mind goes, then my body will just be like, ‘OK, what we doing?’”
If James does decide to leave the game, he’ll still go down in history as one of the best all-time. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He has won four NBA titles, four NBA Finals MVP trophies, and earned the league’s MVP award four times.
LeBron has two years remaining on his current contract, with a player option for Year 2. He could potentially exit his contract after next season to join whichever team opts to draft Bronny James.