LeBron James should consider all possibilities before making his final decision about retirement.
Considering free agency is just kicking off, the accomplished veteran doesn’t have a valid reason to rush.
On Tuesday, James made a major statement about his future with the Lakers and in the NBA while speaking with the Associated Press’ Jonathan Landrum Jr.
“I have a lot of time to take care of my injury, my knee, the rest of my body and make sure I’m as close to 100% as possible when training camp begins in late September,” James said.
“At this point of my career, you think about when the end is. That’s human nature. You think: Is it this year? Or next year? Those thoughts always creep into your mind at this point of the journey. But I have not given it a specific timetable, date. I’m seeing how my body and family reacts, too.”
James isn’t the average 40-year-old player.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Instead of being forced to camp in the corner and maximize open perimeter shooting opportunities near the end of his career, the future Hall of Famer was tasked with assuming most of the Lakers’ offensive responsibilities during the 2024-25 season.
Luka Doncic helped significantly, but the Lakers needed James’ pinpoint passing, aggressive approach in triple-threat situations, and late-game magic to finish the regular season with 50 or more wins.
Fortunately, James stepped up in Year 22, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range on a Lakers team that was the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
Although James was impactful in the postseason, a championship didn’t materialize for Los Angeles (the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated them in the first round).
James hinted at a return for Year 23 in the first portion of his recent interview, but there’s no telling how long the generational forward will stick around the big leagues after that.
More NBA: Lakers' LeBron James gets $52.6 million contract update after Luka Doncic news