LeBron James could possibly retire before the 2024 Olympics
After a Game 4 loss to the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs. James' 20th season ends one round short of another finals berth. James scored 40 points in the loss, 31 of which came in the first half.
Anthony Davis recently told LeBron he “might have one more in me” when referring to the 2024 Olympics.
LeBron then told AD he might already be done playing by then 😳
(via @mcten, espn.com/nba/story/_/id…) https://t.co/vxeuE3Sub7
After the game, James did not give a certain response on his basketball future. He did say he would consider retirement and may be done before next year’s Summer Olympics.
“Going forward with the game of basketball, I have a lot to think about,” James said after the loss.
LeBron James contract details
James would not give a definite answer on if he will play again next season. James has two years left on his deal, with the second year being a player option. He is set to make $46.6 million next season and the player option is worth $50.4 million.
His teammate Anthony Davis seemed surprised by the vague responses from LeBron after the game. Davis also has two years left on his deal with the Lakers, with a player option in the second year.
Davis recalled an earlier conversation with James during which the two talked about the 2024 Olympics. Davis stated that "he might have one more in him," referring to another Olympic appearance for Team USA. James told Davis that he might retire before the 2024 Olympics.
LeBron played in all 17 games of the Lakers' postseason run, logging heavy minutes. James missed time this season due to a foot issue and said that he will assess the injury this offseason.
BREAKING: Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is unsure if he’ll be with team when 2023-24 season starts in fall and retirement is under consideration, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. bleacherreport.com/articles/10076…
James has repeatedly said he wants to play with his son Bronny James. His son is an incoming freshman at USC next season and is still at least a year away from NBA eligibility. He has since said that the decision is completely up to his son.
James is still confident in his abilities.
“I’m still better than 90 per cent of the NBA,” James said. “Maybe 95.”
LeBron averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game this season. He was the ninth leading scorer in the league this season. He played in 55 games as he dealt with a couple of injuries throughout the season.