May 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts to losing to the Denver Nuggets in game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Playoffs-Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers
(New York, NY) — Could the King evacuate his throne?
After the Lakers were knocked out of the playoffs, LeBron James says he might be considering retirement.
“I got to think about it,” James replied when asked if he would consider walking away from the game. It marked the first time the 20-year veteran has kicked the tires on possibly calling the quits. “…Just for me personally, going forward, the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about.”
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said a source close to James explained that Lebron felt the effects of the travel and physicality that brought “brought back old demons.”
“I don’t get a kick out of making a conference appearance,” James said in the press conference. “I’ve done it, a lot and it’s not fun to me to not be able to be a part of getting to the Finals.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has said on multiple occasions that he hopes to play with his oldest son, Bronny James, in the NBA before hanging up his jersey for good.
“I got to play with my boy,” the four-time champion said in February.
James, who turns 39 in December, has one season left on his contract with the Lakers, worth $46.7 million for 2023-24 — and a player option for the following season worth $50.4 million.
