The Los Angeles Lakers will talk to LeBron James after the highest-scoring player in NBA history announced that he was considering retiring after losing in the Western Conference Final.
James, 38, said after his team lost 4-0 to the Denver Nuggets in the best-of-seven series that he had something to think about his future in basketball.
Lakers manager Rob Pelinka told reporters that he and coach Darvin Ham look forward to speaking with James, and that their mission is to help athletes reach a turning point in their careers.
“LeBron has done more for basketball than any other player,” Pelinka said. When you do this you gain the right to decide whether to provide more or stop, we will communicate with him and the team and support him. Of course we hope he continues, but we will give him the time he needs and support him all the way.
James’ admission came as a surprise, given that the four-time champion wants to continue playing the final season of his career with his eldest son Bruni, which will not happen before the 2024-2025 season.
Never in the history of the tournament has a team recovered from a 3-0 deficit in a series decided on the basis of the best in seven games, and James did everything he had in the fourth game against the Nuggets, as he remained on the field throughout the match and scored 40 points.
James told a post-match press conference: I have a lot to think about. Personally, as I continue with basketball, there is something I have to think about.
