LeBron James may not be wearing a Los Angeles Lakers uniform when the 2023-24 season begins.
The 38-year-old superstar is considering retirement after 20 seasons in the NBA after the Lakers were swept out of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets Monday night in the Western Conference final series.
“We’ll see what happens going forward. I’ve got a lot to think about to be honest,” James told reporters following the Lakers’ 113-111 loss in Game 4 in Los Angeles. “”I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve got a lot to think about to be honest. Just for me personally going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about.”
Later he was asked by a reporter for some clarification on his post-game remarks and James said he was referring to if he’ll play next season or retire.
Another report said James is “unsure if he’ll be with team when 2023-24 season starts in fall and retirement is under consideration.”
James words Monday night marked a dramatic shift from what he said in January when he was close to become the league’s all-time scoring leader. In addition, James has repeatedly said he wants to play in the NBA with his son, Bronny. Bronny James committed to playing at USC earlier this month and could enter the NBA draft in 2024.
“My last year will be played with my son,” James said. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
James has two years and $97 million remaining on his current contract. The last year is a player option.
James nearly single-handedly willed the Lakers to a series-extending win Monday night. He scored 40 points on 15-of-25 shooting, grabbed 10 rebounds and handed out nine assists while playing all 48 minutes.
His performance against the Nuggets capped what was another stellar season.
James, a 19-time All-Star, averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game, leading the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals after they started the year with a 2-10 record. James earned a spot on the All-NBA Third Team.
