Will he stay or leave?
With the Los Angeles Lakers being eliminated from the NBA playoffs once again by the Denver Nuggets, the main topic that emerged was regarding LeBron James.
Will the 39-year-old star hang up his sneakers after considering retirement last season? Or could he leave Los Angeles for a different place?
James addressed rumors about his future on social media on Tuesday.
“I've seen and heard a lot of reports about my future,” James said Written on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I said it last night and I'll say it again. I don't know yet because I'm just thinking about spending time with my family and friends! When I know after talking to the family, my lawyer as well as my representation about it then you guys will know even then [hush emoji]. love [crown emoji]”.
If James chooses to return, it will be year 22 for the former 2003 No. 1 overall pick. He has a player option for 2024-25 worth $51 million if he so chooses, via Spotrac.
After being eliminated in Game 5 on Monday, James was asked if this was his last game as a Laker.
“I won't answer that,” he said.
He could opt out and re-sign to a new deal with the Lakers — as he has done in the past — or potentially test free agency. The deadline to enter is June 29.
James could do the latter of those two options, ESPN's Brian Windhorst says forecast Tuesday morning. If so, it would be the first time James has been available in free agency since 2018, which is when he left Cleveland for Southern California.
Age has not slowed down James in year 21, as he played in 71 games and averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks on 54/41/75 shooting.
Then against defending champion Denver, in the first round, James posted these stats:
- Game 1: 27 points, eight assists, six rebounds, one steal, one block, 10-for-16 shooting.
- Game 2: 26 points, 12 assists, eight rebounds, two steals, two blocks, 9-for-19 shooting.
- Game 3: 26 points, nine assists, six rebounds, two steals, one block, 12-for-20 shooting.
- Game 4: 30 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, one block, 14-for-23 shooting.
- Game 5: 30 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, four steals, 11-for-21 shooting.
If James calls it a career, this could be Father Time's first loss.
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