LeBron James, after wrapping up his 20th NBA season, walked down the arena ramp on Monday night following an inglorious playoff exit. Uncertain of whether this would mark his final journey as an active player, he pondered the significance of that particular walk.
Having amassed an impressive 40 points and barely sitting out for a mere four seconds during the Los Angeles Lakers’ narrow 113-111 defeat against the Denver Nuggets in Game 4, LeBron James wrapped up his press conference with a contemplative statement. With his buzzer-beating floater rejected, which could have potentially extended the game into overtime, James left reporters with the words, “As I move forward in the realm of basketball, there’s much on my mind to ponder.”
Will LeBron James retire soon?
At the age of 38, James concluded his remarkable season by guiding the seventh-seeded Lakers to an impressive run to the Western Conference finals. Despite grappling with a right foot injury that sidelined him for an entire month during the regular season due to a torn tendon, he showcased his resilience by participating in all 17 of L.A.’s playoff games, including the play-in victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Following his foot injury on February 26 against the Dallas Mavericks, James experienced a concerning “pop.” Consulting multiple medical experts, some suggested surgery, but he eventually found a specialist he dubbed “the LeBron James of feet.” Assured that rehabilitation without surgery was possible, James opted for that route. Currently, he plans to undergo an MRI to assess the healing of the tendon and determine the next steps, leaving the possibility of surgery open for consideration.
Despite LeBron James hinting at possible retirement, Phil Handy expects him back on the Lakers next season.https://t.co/O2SAUdXwTL pic.twitter.com/jeFIgYtWQv
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) June 20, 2023
Lou Williams' retirement leaves only LeBron James as an active NBA player who was one of 40 players who jumped from high school to NBA between 1975 & 2005 (in 2006 NBA age limit rose to 19 yrs old + 1 out of HS). The rule change made for lively law debate: https://t.co/8mm5lp4hLL https://t.co/q4SdZDwibY
— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) June 18, 2023
When informed about LeBron James’ postgame comments following Monday’s loss, Anthony Davis initially found them surprising. Both Davis and James are under contract with the Lakers for the next season, amidst potential roster changes. However, Davis recalled a recent conversation where he mentioned playing in the 2024 Olympics, to which James responded that he might already be done by then. Davis clarified that he meant USA Basketball next summer, not 2028 in Los Angeles.
James emphasized that he might retire even before next year’s Olympics, leaving him time to consider his future, assess his foot injury, evaluate the Lakers‘ outlook for the upcoming season, and decide whether to continue for his 21st campaign. Despite contemplating retirement, James still believes a full summer of rehabilitation can restore him to his previous dominant self, confidently stating that he remains superior to 90-95% of NBA players.
Source: ESPN
