The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James has finally weighed in on the 2024/25 NBA season after his shocking Playoffs First Round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sparking fears he could retire from the game.
Now 40 years old, with four championships, four MVP honors, a billion dollars in the bank and having absolutely nothing left to prove in the game, the questions of when the forward will finally hang up his boots is hovering around.
And with another NBA Playoffs disappointment meaning he’s now five years without a championship; fans are wondering if that time could finally be here after an incredible 22 seasons.
So, with the rough end to the season alongside Luka Doncic still fresh on the mind, LeBron finally reflects upon the year and leaves a cryptic hint that he could potentially be ready to retire from professional basketball.
“Year 22!! Thank You all. That was hella fun!,” James posted to Instagram in training gear, yelling at the top of his voice in the Lakers’ Crypto.com Arena, sharing a video created by Darrell Ann of his annual highlights.
LeBron is still contracted to Los Angeles for the 2025/26 NBA season so fans should expect to see him back on the court as he collects his $52.6m pay check to take him into his 23rd year in the sport, and his six with the Lakers.
Does LeBron have to retire?
Eventually, there will come a point when LeBron‘s body simply cannot keep up with the tempo needed to compete in the NBA as the younger blood and fresh youth inevitably takes over.
But that time is not yet here. After competing in 70 regular season games and averaging 24.4 points, 8.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds, the iconic player still proves he can match anyone in the sport which is why his endurance is one of his most valued traits.
Through his NBA Playoffs efforts, his level didn’t drop either. He maintained 40.8 minutes through five games for averages of 25.4 points, nine rebounds and 5.6 assists, along with going 48.9% on shooting and 35.7% on three-pointers.
Yet despite that performance and the efforts of Doncic next to him, the Lakers still crashed out and LeBron wants to make sure the rest of the roster understands they’re just as accountable as the two star players.
“It’s never just about me and Luka,” James told Mind the Game. “It was never just about Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. It was always Minnesota versus the Lakers, and I understand that.
“I am at a point in my career now where I don’t lose sleep over that, like, ‘F**k, how did me and Luka lose?’
“Well, there are eight other guys on the floor.”
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