Is LeBron James retiring? What he said about the possible end of his career in the Lakers and in the NBA

As they say, when LeBron James speak raise the bread. And not for less. He has been the most important player for several generations, one of the five best ever and a media phenomenon in his own right. Therefore, if at any given time he makes some enigmatic, controversial or difficult to understand statements, alarm bells go off. That’s what happened after the Eliminate the Lakers at the hands of the Nuggets in the 2023 Playoffs where the Akron native left in the air the opportunity to withdraw.

Below are all his words, as well as the explanation of whether or not it would make sense to end his career soon.

What did LeBron James say about his possible retirement?

At the end of the fourth game when the Lakers were swept, the third time in a career lebron james, The star was asked about his future prospects. It was the expected question, the context demanded it, especially after the end of such a positive year that called for hope.

His answer to a question about the coming year caused dominoes to fall: “I haven’t even thought about next year. I don’t know.”

From there, a journalist decided to satisfy his curiosity, starting an exchange of words that opened the debate about whether the end of the star’s career is near:

• Reporter: When you say you have to think about certain things, what thread should we draw?
• lebron: Yes I want to continue playing.
• Reporter: The next season?
• lebron: Yes.
• Reporter: Are you going to quit?
• lebron: I have to think about it.

Beyond the tweet that went viral with these remarks, James left other words about his future:

“I love playing this game. I love competing. I love being there for my teammates.

For me, it’s about being available to myself and keeping my mind awake, being present on the field, in the locker room and on the track. It is challenging. It’s definitely challenging. It was a very challenging season for me.

But I don’t know. I do not know. I think it was good. I don’t like to call it a successful year because I don’t play for anything other than winning championships at this point in my career. And not being able to make it to the Finals is no fun for me.

But we will see. We’ll see. We’ll see what happens in the future. I do not know. I do not know. I have a lot to think about to be honest. Alone with my future in this, I have a lot to think about.”

Is LeBron James retiring from the NBA? Your future options

The frustration of being swept out of a title streak for the third time in his career can take a toll on LeBron James. LeBron was seen at certain moments of this tie against the Nuggets, closing out the Playoffs with 24.5 points, 6.5 assists, 49.8% from the field and 26.4% in triples.

It would make no sense to end his career like this. JAmes is a person who takes great care of details, especially these, so that it is not plausible to say goodbye without ceremony and to say goodbye to the height of a legend like him.

All this without mentioning the fact that he wants to play with or against his son in the NBAwhich could happen within two seasons, in 2024-2025.

LeBron James has two more years left on his contract with the Lakers at rate 53.3 million, and the next is player choice . Not that he needs the money at this point like other players, but he finally signed an extension offseason and it is very rare to see him go without fulfilling that same contract.

However, Chris Haynes, a journalist very close to LeBron and the environment of the players, he reported that he would seriously consider retirement. So you have to wonder, is this a ploy by James to get something back or is there a chance it’s true?

LeBron James’ contract in the 2023-2024 season

The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NGA or its organisations.