LeBron James left ample room for speculation about what’s next for him.
He was coy when speaking about his future with reporters moments after the Lakers were swept out of the playoffs by the Nuggets 113-111 in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Monday evening at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James and the Lakers were swept by the Nuggets after losing Game 4 on Monday night.APWhen asked if he knew his plans for next year, James certainly wasn’t definitive, and offered an answer that seemingly left open the possibility he’s played his last NBA game.
“We’ll see, we’ll see what happens going forward,” James said. “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest. Just for me, going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about. Appreciate it.”
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer left the podium after answering.
James was brilliant in trying to help the Lakers stave off elimination, but his 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists weren’t enough to hold off the No. 1 seeded Nuggets in Game 4.
At 38-years-old, James just completed his 20th season in the NBA on the same day friend Carmel Anthony announced his retirement.
James has two years and $97 million left on his contract, with the final year being a player option.
It was a roller-coaster year for James and the Lakers, who advanced to the conference finals as the No. 7 seed despite starting the season 2-10.
James played just 55 games during the regular season, missing extensive time with a foot injury as the team floundered around the final playoff spots.
The Lakers rallied late in the season after James returned, however, and beat the Timberwolves in the Play-In Tournament before eliminating the Grizzlies and Warriors in the first two rounds of the playoffs before they’re sweep by Denver.
James has long said that he wants to play in the NBA on the same team, as his son Bronny.
Bronny James was a McDonald’s All-American this year while playing at Sierra Canyon, and recently committed to play collegiately at USC.
He was ranked as the No. 38 player in his class by ESPN.
If LeBron James wants to fulfill his dream of playing with his son, the earliest it would be possible would be the 2024-25 season, if Bronny James leaves as a one-and-done.
LeBron James addresses the media after the Lakers’ Game 4 loss on Monday.ESPN
LeBron James walk off the court after the Lakers’ Game 4 loss to the Nuggets on Monday.USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con “I was serious, and I’m still serious about [playing in the NBA with Bronny],” James told reporters recently. “Just because it’s my aspiration, it doesn’t mean it’s his. It’s not what you want. It’s about listening to your kids and what they want.”
LeBron James, at least for a moment on Monday, sounded unsure of what he wants next.
