LeBron James has yet to commit to playing in the NBA next season, and the four-time MVP insists that is because he is genuinely undecided about his future.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ season ended on Monday night with a 108-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.
In his postgame news conference, LeBron was asked if that could have been his last game with the Lakers. He smiled and said, “I’m not going to answer that.”
Most reports have indicated that James is expected to play at least one more season. On Tuesday night, LeBron took to social media to say those reports are inaccurate, as he claims he has not yet decided on whether to continue his NBA career.
“I’ve seen, heard a lot of reports about my future. I said it last night and I’ll say it again. I do not know yet as I’m only thinking about spending time with my family & friends!” LeBron wrote on X. “When I know after speaking with the fam, my counsel as well as my representation about it then you guys will know. Until then. Love.”
LeBron is 39, but he showed this season that he still has plenty left in the tank. He played in 71 games and averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds. He shot 54 percent from the field, which was his best mark since the 2017-18 season.
James has a $51.4 million player option for next season that he is expected to decline. The Lakers reportedly want him back and are essentially willing to give him whatever he wants. They may even be prepared to make one move that should appeal to LeBron more than anything else.
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