LeBron James, about his possible retirement: "I have to talk to my family"

LeBron James limped out of the Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday night, his left leg visibly swollen after a knee-to-knee collision and his spirits low following the 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. With that outcome, the Los Angeles Lakers were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs, marking the end of James' 22nd season in the NBA.

As is customary after the last game of the year, the 40-year-old veteran didn't provide clarity on his future in the league.
"I don't know," he replied when asked how much longer he plans to play before retiring. "I don't have an answer for that. It's something I need to sit down and talk about with my family, my wife, my support group... Have a conversation with myself about how much longer I want to keep playing. Honestly, I don't know the answer right now. So, we'll see."

James has a player option worth $52.6 million for the 2025-26 season, which he must decide whether to exercise by June 29. If declined, he will become a free agent.

When asked how the Lakers could improve for the next season after losing 4-1 in the series despite entering as the third seed from the West with home-court advantage, James once again appeared uncertain:
"This is a business. So you don't know how the roster will look next year beyond those already under contract. S---, I have a lot to think about too. So, I don't know how the team will look. I don't know where I stand right now."

He later clarified that his comment didn't imply he was considering changing teams:
"Just keep playing. I don't know where I stand on that," he told ESPN. "I wasn't referring to coming back here or not. I was referring to playing, in general."

James finished the decisive game with 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 40 minutes, leading a comeback that saw the Lakers erase a 14-point deficit and briefly take the lead in the final quarter.

Another player who ended the night with discomfort was Luka Doncic, who suffered a back sprain after colliding with Donte DiVincenzo, the same player James had his knee impact with.
"It's not good at all," Doncic said about his back, after recording 28 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists also in 40 minutes. "But I tried to play. So... that's it."

Doncic will also have decisions to make this summer. Starting August 2, the Lakers can offer him a four-year, $297 million extension.
"I haven't thought about it yet," he stated. "I was focused on basketball. Now it's time to consider everything."

Rookie coach JJ Redick experienced his first playoff disappointment as a coach and acknowledged that this summer will be a time for reflection:
"There's always ways to improve. And I can improve a lot."

Both James and Doncic endorsed the work of the new coach.
"I think he's a great coach," said Doncic. "I love it. It feels like I'm back in Europe. We have a great connection."

James agreed:
"I think JJ will keep growing. He had a great rookie season. Being a rookie coach in the NBA is already difficult, but doing it with the Lakers is another level. He handled it very well, learned every day, challenged us, and pushed us."

But it was Minnesota who pushed the Lakers out of the playoffs earlier than expected.

"Since I made my first Finals in 2007, every season that I haven't reached the Finals or haven't won the title has been a disappointment," reflected James. "So, this will be a summer of disappointment and feeling like the goal wasn't fulfilled."

Do you think LeBron will continue for another season or has the beginning of the end arrived?

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, LeBron James, sobre su posible retirada: "Tengo que hablar con mi familia"