With LeBron James preparing to turn 41 in late December, it makes sense for individuals to speculate about the Los Angeles Lakers star’s future in the big leagues.
However, it’s always better to receive an insightful update from a trustworthy insider about James’ retirement status, which is exactly what occurred on Monday morning.
The update should be perceived as the best-case scenario for the Lakers.
“Giving James a night off here and there, from now until mid-April, would help save his legs for what the Lakers hope is a deep playoff run,” ESPN's Dave McMenamin stated.
“At the same time, if James believes this could be his last season — something that sources close to James have insisted that he remains undecided about — he might feel even more responsibility to suit up for every game on what would then be a retirement tour.”
Luka Doncic is the face of the Lakers’ franchise, whether James likes it or not. Los Angeles has done everything in its power to cater to the former Dallas Mavericks stud point guard since acquiring him in February, hinting at a change in the power dynamic (James was the center of attention upon joining the Lakers in 2018, but has now lost his spot in line).
However, the Lakers are waiting for James to either retire or join a different franchise before making it official. With McMenamin reporting that there’s a chance James could leave Los Angeles at the conclusion of this season, the Lakers should be in good spirits.
Even if James elects to return to the Lakers for another campaign, it appears that James’ tenure with the 17-time NBA champions is winding down, allowing Los Angeles to begin a new era of basketball centered around Doncic.
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