Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said Tuesday that he and coach Darvin Ham will speak with LeBron James about James considering the idea of retiring following the Lakers’ Game 4 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Here’s what you need to know:
- James ended his post-game press conference Monday by saying, “I have a lot to think about… Personally, as I’m progressing with the game of basketball, I have a lot to think about.”
- On Tuesday, Pelinka said James gave as much to the game of basketball as anyone who has ever played and that James has earned the right to command his future.
- James, 38, had 40 points in LA’s loss on Monday, including 31 in the first half. He played the entire first half down to the final seconds, helping Los Angeles take a 15-point lead at halftime and throughout the second half.
- The Lakers were eliminated with a 113-111 loss to the Nuggets, who swept to their first-ever NBA Finals.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What to make of LeBron’s comments?
James dropped an eyebrow-raising cliffhanger at the end of his post-match press conference and hinted at the possibility of retirement for the first time in his career.
Given James’ comments last year that he would play for several more years and eventually play with or against his eldest son Bronny, and teammate Dennis Schroder telling a German publication James told him he wanted to be like Tom Brady and play until he’s 45. That seems like a premature discussion. In real time, it felt like James was just voicing his thoughts.
Additionally, he’s known for putting pressure on his teams through the media and social media, and this could be one of those times James would want the Lakers to make more roster improvements for next season. Even though the Lakers made it to the Western Conference Finals, in Game 4 the Lakers got a lot offensively from none other than Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and Schroder.
They have an opportunity this offseason to sign or trade Kyrie Irving, whom James urged the Lakers to buy on Feb. 9 and who sat on the sidelines in Game 4, his second appearance in a Lakers postseason game. Nonetheless, James’ flair for the dramatic has kickstarted another exciting offseason for the Lakers. – boo
GO DEEPER
LeBron James’ retirement comment creates uncertainty about the Lakers’ future
backstory
Monday’s loss marked the end of James’ 20th season in the NBA and his fifth with the Lakers. It was also only the third time James had been defeated in his NBA playoff career.
The 19-time All-Star started Game 4 as the team’s best, averaging 23.5 points and 9.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game this postseason.
Earlier this year, James – a four-time NBA champion and most valuable player – overtook Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
James is under contract with the Lakers through the 2024-25 season.
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(Photo: Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)