LeBron James' retirement comment reportedly surprised Lakers and people close to him

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LeBron James opened the door to a possible retirement after the Los Angeles Lakers’ season-ending loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday. However, many do not buy this as a real possibility.

When James said Monday that he had “a lot to think about” regarding his future, those around him were “shocked.” according to The Athletic.

James’ statement after the four-game sweep of the Western Conference finals also “came as a surprise to many employees in Los Angeles,” although there is “pervasive skepticism” that he will retire, he reported Thursday Yahoo Sports.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach Darvin Ham told reporters Tuesday that they would give James the time he needs to make a final decision.

“LeBron has given as much to basketball as anyone who has ever played the game. When you do that, you earn the right to decide if you want to give more,” Pelinka said. “Obviously, our hope would be that his career continues.”

If James decides to come back and continue his basketball career, he could be on the sidelines a bit. James played through a torn tendon in the final weeks of the regular season and during the Lakers’ playoff run that could require surgery, according to The Athletic.

James suffered the foot injury on February 26 during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. While the game ended, James did not return to action until March 26. James’ return to action was quickly seen as a surprise by many, as it came earlier than initially reported.

“I went to LeBron James standing up and he said I should do it [delay possible surgery]James told reporters at the time.

James was also coy about possibly needing surgery after the season.

“I’ll probably get another MRI at the end of the season and go for it,” James said in March. “But if I have to have surgery after the season, you won’t know. I don’t talk to you guys in the offseason, and when next season starts, I’ll be fine. be ready to go.”

James, who doesn’t turn 39 until late December, took a noticeable dip in some areas of his game in the postseason. He scored 24.5 points per game (up from 28.9 points per game in the regular season) as he shot 49.8 percent from the field (up from 50 percent in the regular season) and 26, 4% from 3-point range (down 32.1% in the regular season). regular season).

James, who has won four NBA titles and four MVPs, doesn’t have much left to play for in terms of accomplishments after becoming the NBA’s all-time scoring leader this season. He has said for years that he would like to play with his son Bronny in the NBA, but softened that stance after Monday’s season-ending loss.

“I’ve done what I had to do in this league and my son will have his journey,” James told ESPN. “And whatever his journey is, whatever his journey is, he’s going to do what’s best for him. And as his dad, his mom, Savannah, and his brother and sister, we’re going to support him in whatever decide. So just because that’s my aspiration or my goal, it doesn’t mean it’s theirs. And I’m absolutely okay with that.”

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