LeBron James Contemplating Retirement After Western Conference Finals Exit, Completing 20 NBA Seasons

Sources from the NBA league have revealed that Lakers superstar LeBron James is contemplating retirement after the team’s exit from the Western Conference Finals. Reports from Bleacher Report and TNT have indicated that retirement is now being considered as an option for James, who is uncertain about his future with the team when the 2023-24 NBA season commences in the fall.

Despite having two years and $97 million left on his contract, the final year is a player option, giving him the flexibility to decide. The decision-making process is expected to take time, as James contemplates whether he will return for his 21st year in the NBA.

If James decides to retire, he will leave the game as the all-time leading scorer, having surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar this season, and also as the all-time leading scorer in playoff history, holding an impressive 2,036-point lead over the second-place holder, Michael Jordan.

Throughout the season, the 19-time All-Star proved that he remains one of the league’s top performers, earning a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. Despite being 38 years old, his contributions were pivotal in guiding the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals, even after a challenging start with a 2-10 record.

James has expressed a strong desire to play alongside his oldest son, Bronny, who is projected to be part of the 2024 NBA Draft class. With the Los Angeles Lakers having approximately $29.6 million in available cap space as the 2023 offseason approaches, there is significant flexibility for the team moving forward. Only six players are officially under contract for the 2023-24 season, including James, Davis, Vanderbilt, Beasley, and Mo Bamba.

LeBron James Considering Retirement After WCF Exit, 20 NBA Seasons

“I’m currently unsure if I’ll return when the new season starts,” James informed Bleacher Report. “There’s a lot for me to contemplate.”

 

This revelation follows the Lakers’ unfortunate sweep by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals on Monday night.

Throughout this season, LeBron has expressed a strong desire to play alongside his oldest son, Bronny, who is projected to be part of the 2024 NBA Draft class.

As the 2023 offseason approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers have approximately $29.6 million in available cap space, as reported by Spotrac. With only six players officially under contract for the 2023-24 season, including James, Davis, Vanderbilt, Beasley, and Mo Bamba, there is significant flexibility for the team moving forward.