LeBron James says he will reflect on his next move after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, in what may prove to be the final game of his career.
The 41-year-old produced 24 points and 12 rebounds in the Lakers’ 115-110 defeat, but the Thunder sealed a 4-0 sweep in the Western Conference semi-finals.
With his Lakers contract expired, the four-time NBA champion enters free agency amid growing speculation over whether he will remain in Los Angeles, join another team, or retire after a historic career.
Following the loss, James remained uncertain about his future despite reports linking him with a possible return for a 24th NBA season.
“I don’t know what the future holds for me,” James said.
“Obviously, as it stands right now, tonight, I’ve got a lot of time. I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family and talk with them, and spend some time with them, and then when the time comes, obviously you guys will know what I decide to do.”
James added that his decision could depend on whether he still has the desire to handle the demands of elite competition.
“I think for me, it’s about the process — you know, if I can commit to still being in love with the process of showing up to the arena five-and-a-half hours before a game to start preparing.”
Whatever he decides, James leaves the season with a legacy built on remarkable achievements and records that could stand for generations.
