LeBron James surprised the NBA when, after being swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, he said he would consider whether or not to continue in the league next season. The top scorer in history opened the door to retirement despite having another year on his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for $46.9 million for the 2023-24 campaign, in addition to a player option for 2024-25 for $50.6 million.
Many of the US media are of the opinion that James did this to “control the narrative” and take center stage in the face of the Lakers game, which, despite playing a competitive series, could not beat the best team in the NBA.
LeBron, the leader, took center stage, taking the focus off his teammates.
In fact, it is difficult to pay LeBron nearly $100 million in the remaining years of his contract with the Lakers, given that he was kidnapped by a superior team. In addition, his son Bronny is close to appearing in the draft and his dream is to play with him in the years to come.
LeBron had a great season at the age of 38, posting averages of 28.9 points per game, 8.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 32.1% shooting from the field and 32.1% 3-pointers during the regular season. Back in the series against the Nuggets, he finished with 27.8 units per game, 9.5 boards and 10 assists. Therefore, thinking about leisure is not much.
"LeBron has given as much to the game of basketball as anyone who has ever played. When you do that, you earn a right to decide if you want to give more," Rob Pelinka says.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) May 23, 2023
“LeBron has given as much to basketball as anyone who has ever played. When you do that, you deserve the right to decide if you want to give more,” manager Rob Pelinka told the Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike.
“I’ve earned the right to decide what I want to do,” added coach Darvin Ham. “We shall speak with him in a few days.”
