LeBron using retirement talk so Lakers pursue star free agent?

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Analyst floats LeBron's retirement talk as negotiation to push Lakers to sign star

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 5/23/23

LeBron James' comments following the Los Angeles Lakers' loss to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals immediately sent NBA fans into a frenzy. As TNT's Chris Haynes reported, retirement is "under consideration" for the 38-year-old future Hall of Famer.

James' future is in limbo as it currently stands, and while there's almost certainly an obvious disappointment from the Lakers being swept by the Nuggets, it'd be a major shock if this was how the "King" decided to end his NBA career.

While Lakers fans certainly hope James doesn't choose that path, the Ringer's Kevin O'Connor had an interesting outlook on the situation, focused on the idea that LeBron could be using this as a negotiation tactic. His potential goal in pushing the Lakers? Signing Kyrie Irving would make a lot of sense as a potential end goal.

I'd bet on LeBron's comments in part being a negotiation tactic: I'll retire unless you go all-in next season. And the player James probably wants the Lakers to acquire is Kyrie Irving. https://t.co/AaLKDRFfnd
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 23, 2023

Prior to Irving being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron didn't hide that he was well aware of the fact the Lakers were linked to Irving in a potential trade. If he wants the Lakers to take a swing and land Irving in free agency, regardless of what that would entail in terms of altering the current roster, it could then put the ball squarely in the franchise's hands.

Even if LeBron's plan isn't focused around Irving or potential changes to the roster, there's little doubt that the Lakers adding the Mavericks star would leave the future Hall of Famer excited about the team's outlook to win another title. After being swept by the Nuggets, it wouldn't be a shock if the Lakers do opt to make changes, and if Irving wasn't a realistic name on their offseason radar, he very well may be now.

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