Here's Why We Think LeBron James Will Announce His Retirement (Then Come Back Anyway)
- On Monday, LeBron James said he has no idea whether his 24-point performance in the Los Angeles Lakers' 115-110 season-ending loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder was his final game. The 41-year-old completed his 23rd NBA season uncertain about returning or retiring.
- The defending NBA champion Thunder completed a four-game sweep of the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite winning 16 of 18 games down the stretch, Los Angeles fell short against Oklahoma City's elite defense.
- James said his decision hinges on whether he can "commit to still being in love with the process" of preparing for games. He plans to consult his wife, Savannah, his daughter, Zhuri, and his son, Bryce, before deciding.
- Beyond James, the Lakers face roster uncertainty with eight potential unrestricted free agents entering the market. Austin Reaves could secure a deal for about $178 million elsewhere, while Rui Hachimura is among other key players in free agency.
- A four-time NBA champion, James helped the Lakers win the 2020 title and now contemplates an unprecedented 24th season. His legacy remains secure regardless of whether he returns or retires after his historic 23-year career.
38 Articles
38 Articles
Here's Why We Think LeBron James Will Announce His Retirement (Then Come Back Anyway)
Now that the Oklahoma City Thunder have eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers from the NBA playoffs, one of the big questions is whether LeBron James will finally retire. We think he will (at least temporarily). Here’s why. After 23 seasons, LeBron James is still performing at a very high level. However, the 20.9 points per game he averaged this season is his lowest since he averaged the same number as a rookie in 2004. The 41-year-old has also miss…
LeBron enters offseason facing plenty of uncertainty
After the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the NBA playoffs, LeBron James enters an offseason of uncertainty that could see him stay in L.A., join another team or even retire.
Is LeBron Retiring? NBA Icon Shares a Cryptic Update on NBA Future After Lakers' Disappointing Playoff Exit
NBA star LeBron James has fuelled renewed retirement speculation after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs on Monday, 11 May, following a 115-110 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of their second-round series. The 41-year-old, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, admitted uncertainty over his future in the league as he reflected on the end of his 23rd season. LeBron James' post-game comments have intensified sp…
LeBron James hasn't decided whether to return for a 24th NBA season after Lakers' playoff run ends
LeBron James says he has no idea whether his 24-point performance in the Los Angeles Lakers' season-ending playoff loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night was the final game of his NBA career.
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