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The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the NBA postseason. But what exactly does that mean for the 40-year-old LeBron James?
James has a player option in his contract that would allow him to become a free agent this offseason if he wants to choose that path. Just because he has the option, however, does not mean he will actually take it. Even if he is likely nearing the end of his NBA career, fans should almost certainly expect to see him in a Los Angeles for at least one more season.
After his comments he made following a loss to Minnesota on Wednesday night, though, there was at least some shadow of a doubt:
James said he doesn't have an answer to the question of how long he will play and added "we'll see" when he speculated about an estimate.
Of course, he has already accomplished everything that he possibly could in the NBA, including playing alongside his son.
Even still, there is little reason to believe that James actually decides to call it an end to his career. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, there is "no expectation" for James to retire. Instead, he will very likely sign a short-term deal and almost certainly will remain in Los Angeles.
During an exit interview with Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, the executive already spoke about how he plans to re-tool his roster around James this summer:
Fans should expect that the core of next year's roster is built to support James as well as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Remember: James did a similar song and dance when teasing a potential retirement last season. Since then, the Lakers have hired his former podcast co-host as their head coach and drafted his son (as well as signing Bronny James to a four-year deal).
Maybe his career isn't tremendously much longer in the NBA. But at least for now, everyone expect to see him in Purple and Gold next season.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: LeBron James is uncertain about his NBA future but fans should not expect him to retire
Continue reading...
James has a player option in his contract that would allow him to become a free agent this offseason if he wants to choose that path. Just because he has the option, however, does not mean he will actually take it. Even if he is likely nearing the end of his NBA career, fans should almost certainly expect to see him in a Los Angeles for at least one more season.
After his comments he made following a loss to Minnesota on Wednesday night, though, there was at least some shadow of a doubt:
James said he doesn't have an answer to the question of how long he will play and added "we'll see" when he speculated about an estimate.
Of course, he has already accomplished everything that he possibly could in the NBA, including playing alongside his son.
Even still, there is little reason to believe that James actually decides to call it an end to his career. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, there is "no expectation" for James to retire. Instead, he will very likely sign a short-term deal and almost certainly will remain in Los Angeles.
During an exit interview with Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, the executive already spoke about how he plans to re-tool his roster around James this summer:
Fans should expect that the core of next year's roster is built to support James as well as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Remember: James did a similar song and dance when teasing a potential retirement last season. Since then, the Lakers have hired his former podcast co-host as their head coach and drafted his son (as well as signing Bronny James to a four-year deal).
Maybe his career isn't tremendously much longer in the NBA. But at least for now, everyone expect to see him in Purple and Gold next season.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: LeBron James is uncertain about his NBA future but fans should not expect him to retire
Continue reading...
