In a shocking revelation, sources from the league have disclosed that Lakers superstar LeBron James is uncertain about his future with the team when the 2023-24 NBA season commences in the fall. Retirement is now being considered as an option, according to reports from Bleacher Report and TNT.
“I’m currently unsure if I’ll return when the new season starts,” James informed Bleacher Report. “There’s a lot for me to contemplate.”
The decision-making process for LeBron is expected to take time, as he contemplates whether he will return for his 21st year in the NBA. Despite having two years and $97 million left on his contract, the final year is a player option, giving him the flexibility to decide.
This revelation follows the Lakers’ unfortunate sweep by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals on Monday night.
“Personally, as I look ahead with my basketball career, I have much to ponder,” James stated after the game.
If this marks the end of LeBron’s illustrious 20-year career, he will leave the game as the all-time leading scorer, having surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar this season, and also as the all-time leading scorer in playoff history, holding an impressive 2,036-point lead over the second-place holder, Michael Jordan.
Throughout this season, LeBron has expressed a strong desire to play alongside his oldest son, Bronny, who is projected to be part of the 2024 NBA Draft class.
Despite being 38 years old, LeBron remained one of the league’s top performers this year, earning a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. Throughout the season, the 19-time All-Star averaged an impressive 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. These contributions were pivotal in guiding the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals, even after a challenging start with a 2-10 record.
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As the 2023 offseason approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers have approximately $29.6 million in available cap space, as reported by Spotrac. With only six players officially under contract for the 2023-24 season, including James, Davis, Vanderbilt, Beasley, and Mo Bamba, there is significant flexibility for the team moving forward.
