LeBron James has cast uncertainty over his future with the Lakers by declining to confirm whether he’ll return after their playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets.
The Lakers suffered a 108-106 defeat in the last seconds of the game on Monday night, sealing a 4-1 series loss and marking the end of their playoff journey for the season.
The basketball superstar declined to comment on his future with the LA Lakers after his 30-point return wasn’t able to get LA over the line, according to Daily Mail.
When questioned about the possibility of Monday’s game marking his final appearance for the team, the 39-year-old remained evasive, stating, “Umm, I’m not gonna answer that.”
There is the potential of James having the opportunity to play alongside his son, Bronny, if he decides to continue his career. Bronny has announced his intention to enter the NBA Draft and transfer portal.
Amid four consecutive playoff letdowns with the LA Lakers, the legendary basketball figure might seek to revive his pursuit of a fifth NBA Championship ring by considering a move to another team next season.
“I just wanna get home to the family, honestly, and start looking at the schedule,” James said when asked if he’s thought about what comes next.
“Obviously, I’ve got one of my boys trying to decide if he’s gonna enter the draft or go back to school, I’ve got another kid that’s playing UBall right now, my daughter’s playing volleyball and my wife is doing so many great things.
“So it’s about family right now and then in a couple of months I’ve gotta go to Vegas for training camp.”
James, who has enjoyed a six-season tenure with the LA Lakers and secured an NBA Championship in 2020, has a storied career marked by successful stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, where he earned multiple championship titles.
Despite his remarkable performance of scoring 30 points in a crucial playoff game against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers fell short, trailing 3-1 in the series.
Jamal Murray’s standout performance, including a decisive two-pointer at the end, propelled the Nuggets to victory in Game 5, advancing them to the Conference Semifinals at the expense of the Lakers.
Amid mounting criticism during the 2024 season, LA Lakers head coach Darvin Ham hinted that his tenure with the team might be coming to an end following their early elimination from the playoffs in the first round.
“It’s been a hell of a two years sitting in this seat, I’ll tell you that,” Ham said after the game. “It’s been a hell of a two years.”
