Just like that, the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James are out of the NBA playoffs after a four-game sweep at the hands of the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
And within moments, the questions that everyone had in mind quickly came to the forefront: What is next for James, and could retirement possibly be the answer?
The 41-year-old is still playing at a shockingly high level, albeit at a lesser rate. Across 60 regular-season games this season, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.9 rebounds, and in the Lakers’ opening-round series against the Kevin Durant-led Houston Rockets, he was clearly the best player on the court.
Even so, retirement doesn’t appear to be off the table for James, nor does finding a new organization.
LeBron James Is Keeping His Options Open
Earlier in the season, James’ agent, Rich Paul, made headlines when he claimed the Lakers weren’t championship contenders and opened the door to a possible trade. As it turns out, Paul was right, even if his statement was controversial.
But that now leads James at a crossroad, and it’s one he said he hasn’t quite figured out.
“I think you guys asked me about [retirement], and I’ve answered questions. I don’t think I’ve come out and been like, ‘Oh, retirement is coming,'” James said after Game 4 against OKC. “With my future, I don’t know, honestly. It’s, obviously it’s still fresh from, obviously losing [the series]. And I don’t know. I don’t know what the future holds for me.”
One thing that should have Los Angeles fans optimistic is that James seemed happy to be able to play third fiddle to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at various points in the season. Although both missed time due to injuries in the playoffs.
“I was put into some positions I never played in my career … actually, in my life,” James said. “I’ve never been a third option in my life. So, to be able to thrive in that role for that period of time and then have to step back into the role that I’ve been accustomed with over my career … and being able to thrive … that was pretty cool for me at this stage in my career.”
Perhaps this is it for James. But if he does decide to call it a career at this point, he’ll be doing so at a time when he’s clearly still one of the league’s best players.
The post LeBron James Opens The Door To Retirement Or New Team After Lakers Playoff Exit appeared first on BroBible.
LeBron James Opens The Door To Retirement Or New Team After Lakers Playoff Exit
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