LeBron James, one of the best players in NBA basketball history, admitted that he is already thinking about retirement after the Lakers were eliminated 4 games to 0 by the Denver Nuggets in the Eastern Conference Finals.
At 38 years of age, LeBron James had an extraordinary game in Game 4 of the series with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Despite that, the Nuggets led by Nikola Jokic showed all the reasons why they were the best team of the regular season. After a spectacular third quarter, Denver took the victory 113-111.
Now, at a key moment in his career, LeBron made one of the most unexpected statements. When all the specialists thought he would return for one more season with the Lakers, things could change.
Who Is LeBron James?
According to specialists, LeBron James is probably one of the 10 best basketball players of all time. During his career, the pride of Akron, Ohio, has won four NBA championships, and, in something incredible, he gave a title to three different teams: Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. His numbers are impressive: top scorer in NBA history (38,652 points), four-time league MVP, four-time Finals MVP, and 19-time All-Star Game nominee.
LeBron James Thinks About Retirement
After the Lakers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James admitted that he is still not sure if he will play in the NBA again. Age would be a key factor in the decision, as he would reach the 2023-2023 season at 39 years old.
“I think it was a very special year with a rookie coach (Darvin Ham) going all the way to the Western Conference Finals. It’s an extraordinary thing. Personally, for me, it’s all about availability. Keeping my mind ready and things of that nature. Being present on the court. It’s all very demanding. The season was like that for me. It was a great adventure. I don’t like to say it was a successful year because these days I just play to win championships.”
However, just as the press conference was ending, came the message no one expected. “I don’t know. We’ll see what happens in the future. I don’t know. I really don’t know. To be honest, I have a lot of thinking to do about what’s next for me in basketball.”
What Has Happened to LeBron James?
The big problem for LeBron James is that he is at a point where his body might not give enough to fight for one more NBA championship. If we add to this that the Western Conference is full of spectacular teams, the decision could be made.
Golden State with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Phoenix with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, Sacramento, and of course the Nuggets are teams that have stellar rosters heading into the future. The reality is that the Lakers could be a step below all of them.
The only sign of hope is his son, Bronny James. The 18-year-old is about to begin his playing career at the collegiate level with the University of Southern California and, on several occasions, LeBron said he had a dream of playing alongside his son in the NBA.
Therefore, according to experts, LeBron James could continue playing in the NBA or, in the worst-case scenario, take a year off to let his body recover and then return to join the same team as his son Bronny.
Story written in Spanish by Miguel Fernández in Cultura Colectiva News