LeBron James says he 'doesn't know' what the future holds after sweep
After the Los Angeles Lakers were swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semi-finals, LeBron James told reporters he was in no hurry to decide his future. The 40-year-old, speaking to ESPN, said: "I don't know what the future holds for me."
The comment added to the uncertainty surrounding one of the longest careers in NBA history since James entered the league in 2003. He averaged 24.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 70 regular-season games this year, extending an unbroken streak of double-digit scoring averages across all 22 of his seasons.
The Thunder series was the most disappointing stretch of the Lakers' season. A 24-9 run in the third quarter of Game 3 had pushed the deficit to 20 points; Game 4 ended with the home side winning again. James finished Game 4 with 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists, but said his side were undone by 28 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
A free-throw disparity that came up twice in the series was a frequent topic of post-game press conferences. James, however, declined to lay the loss on the officials, saying: "They (the Thunder) were better than us. They earned where they are."
Asked about his career plans, the veteran referred to the fatigue that comes at the end of a season and pointed to time with family as the priority. He left unanswered questions about whether he wants to watch from the sidelines the NBA career his son Bronny James began with the Lakers last season.
Former team-mates who spoke to ESPN said expectations of one or two more seasons reflect what is being said in the media more than what is being seen on the floor. The personal off-season programmes James runs to keep up with the physical tempo of the game, they said, have become more demanding.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, in his end-of-season address, said the front office was working on how to shape the roster for next season. Anthony Davis's position will be the core of the front-court rotation. Adding secondary scoring and improving the team's perimeter shooting numbers have been identified as the main targets for the off-season.
ESPN reports that James's current deal includes a player option. After personal meetings in the coming weeks, he could either exercise the option or open talks with the team on a new agreement. His representatives said any decision would be taken together with his family.
As the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a possible James farewell is being discussed as something that could shape next season too. He has won four NBA championships (2012, 2013, 2016 and 2020) and has been NBA Finals Most Valuable Player on four occasions.
The atmosphere in the dressing room after the game was described by ESPN reporters as "quiet but respectful." James said goodbye individually to team-mates as he left the media area, but said any statements about the future would be reserved for a press conference he would hold during the summer.