LeBron James Says He Just Wants To Return To His Family After First-Round Elimination

James put up 30 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists in the Lakers Game 5 loss to the Nuggets. The loss meant this was only the second first-round elimination of James' 21-year career, with the other instance coming in 2021 against the Phoenix Suns. The Nuggets also eliminated the Lakers from the 2023 Western Conference Finals, with that series ending in a 4-0 sweep.

James averaged 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists on 56.6% shooting from the field over the series, playing great basketball despite his advanced age. However, he isn't as faultless as he used to be in his prime, with small moments of indecision or slow responses often leading to the Nuggets capitalizing. 

What's Next For LeBron?

LeBron might have played his final game as a Laker tonight, with the 39-year-old having the option to pot out of a $51 million contract for next season and enter free agency in the summer. James is expected to be declining the option regardless, but it'll be interesting to see if he does so for a longer contract with the Lakers or to leave the franchise and team up with Bronny James, who is in the 2024 NBA Draft.

James has long discussed how much he's wanted to play with his son, but Bronny's low draft stock could lead to the Lakers being the team that gives Bronny a home. That would essentially guarantee James retires on the Lakers regardless of the team's competitive future in the short term. If they do retain James and already have Anthony Davis under contract, they will have to make more win-now moves to maximize the duo, even if they're on the decline.

It'll be interesting to see if any outside projects can tempt James into making a switch with the continued goal of winning more titles. The Philadelphia 76ers are the only competitive team with cap space this season, with the franchise having the tools to acquire James while re-signing Tyrese Maxey to create a big three with Joel Embiid. It's an interesting route but might be too optimistic.

Finally, there is a small chance that James takes a minimum to play with whichever team drafts Bronny. If it's a team like the Dallas Mavericks that ends up making a swing like that, could James be enticed to let go of his contract expectations and join a contender where he can also play with his son?

The Lakers' future is inherently tied to LeBron's, so we should receive more answers after the playoffs are over.