Getty Image / Harry How
Los Angeles Lakers Forward LeBron James is arguably the athlete of our generation, and is one of the best and most influential athletes in American history.
The basketball star rose from poverty in Akron, Ohio to be one of the most recognizable figures on the planet and is considered by some to be the greatest basketball player in history.
But, after 20 years and a game 4 loss to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals to end their season, LeBron James is openly considering retirement for the first time.
In the postgame press conference, he said this, raising eyebrows.
LeBron James finishes his press conference with: “I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest — and just for me personally — going forward, the game of basketball… I got a lot to think about."
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) May 23, 2023
Then, after his press conference, Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes confirmed that there is a real chance we see a LeBron James retirement.
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. https://t.co/7M3WuEzwOL
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 23, 2023
And, he exchanged texts with ESPN in which he admitted to be considering retirement.
LeBron James to ESPN on his thought process going into the offseason:
Q: When you say you got to think about stuff, what thread should we be pulling on that?
A: "If I want to continue to play."
Q: As in next year?
A: "Yeah."
Q: You would walk away?
A: "I got to think about it."— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 23, 2023
Now, will he retire? Who knows. LeBron James has been outspoken about wanting to play in the NBA with his eldest son, Bronny. Bronny will play at USC next year and will be draft eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft. LeBron has an opt-out in his contract after next season, allowing him to sign with the team that drafts Bronny. But, maybe he will not be in the league then.
But, one thing is for sure. After these ESPN text messages, a possible LeBron James retirement will be the lead story in sports all week.