Is LeBron James Retiring? The Lakers star might think about it

Lakers star LeBron James surprised people with his comments at the end of Monday’s post-game press conference, hinting at an uncertain basketball future that could include sudden retirement despite the fact that he has a contract with the Lakers for at least the 2023-24 season.

When asked how he would rate his 20th season in the NBA, in which he set a league record. absolute performance recordJames wandered through several different thoughts before ending with a cryptic message about his future.

“I think it was okay. I don’t like to say it was a good year because at this point in my career I don’t play for anything other than winning championships,” he said. “You know I don’t enjoy holding a conference [finals] appearance. I did it, a lot. And I’m not happy that I can’t participate in the final. But let’s see. Let’s see. Let’s see what will happen next. I don’t know. I don’t know. I have a lot to think about, to be honest. I have a lot to think about, to be honest. As for me personally, in terms of playing basketball, I have a lot to think about.”

James will earn nearly $47 million next season and has a player option for around $50 million in 2024/25.

Lakers lost 113-111 in Denver on Monday night at the Crypto.com Arena as the Nuggets completed a series of sweeps.

People close to the matter, but not authorized to speak publicly, acknowledged James’ physical and mental losses throughout the season.

After the loss, James was undoubtedly angry – especially after his 40-point game against Denver proved to be insufficient.

“It’s human nature when you’re a competitor. Obviously upset. Not being able to close one of those games where you were in every game,” James said. “You know, two games in Denver, two games here, we win [in] every game. We were up to 15 at half. They hit us with a 36-point quarter, they took the pace of the game. We still had the opportunity, but we just couldn’t play any more.

“That’s the disappointing part. You take your hat off to them. Like I said, they’re a great team.”

Early in the season, the Lakers struggled to get Russell Westbrook to work as part of their core as the team quickly dropped to 2–10. James ultimately broke the all-time scoring record before the All-Star break while playing with chronic ankle pain. In February, he tore a tendon in his leg. 26 years old and narrowly escaped surgery thanks to an encounter with “LeBron James Legs”. He returned after 13 games and helped the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals.

James constantly talked about wanting to play professionally with his eldest son, Bronnie James, who chose to play for USC.

James has long stated that playing in the NBA with his son was the goal.

LeBron James (center) is introduced ahead of Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets on Monday.

LeBron James (center) is introduced ahead of Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets on Monday.

(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

“I was serious and still take it seriously,” he said after Bronnie committed the crime. “Obviously I have to keep keeping my body and mind fresh. I think my mind is the most important thing. If my mind shuts down, my body will just say, “OK, what are we doing?” So, but in the end, whether I am or not, I did what I had to do in this league, and my son is going to be on his way. And whatever his journey, however his journey ends, he will do what is best for him.”

Asked about longevity and a possible retirement in late December, when the Lakers were aged 14 to 21, James spoke of his desire to keep playing.

“I know as long as my mind stays at this, I can play at this level for a minute. Now, it’s up to my mind. My body will be fine, because if my mind is busy with it, I will make sure that my body is taken care of and I will continue to work. So, I’m a winner and I want to win,” James said after losing to the Heat. “And I want to win and give myself a chance to win and still fight for the championship. This has always been my passion, this has always been my goal ever since I entered the league as an 18 year old from Akron, Ohio. And I know it takes steps to get there.

“But once you get there and know how to get there, playing basketball at that level just to play basketball is not in my DNA. It’s no longer in my DNA. So, we’ll see what happens and see how fresh my mind stays for the next few years.”

Monday’s comments were more cryptic than anything he’s made in the past, after he repeatedly shied away from discussing the Lakers or his future.

“I didn’t even think about next year,” he said when asked about improving the roster. “I don’t know.”

Asking the same question again, James mentioned the team’s future free agents.

“The registry is not installed,” he said. “Obviously it’s Rob [Pelinka] and the front office, they’re going to find the best way to put this team together to move forward in the fall. But that doesn’t mean we have a team full of guys with years of experience who are currently stuck in a contract.

So I don’t know, we’ll see.

Times staffer Broderick Turner contributed to this report.