LeBron James, last NBA game? “I’ll talk with my family”
The Lakers were swept by the Thunder, but LeBron James finished the series with superstar numbers. Now everyone is asking the same question: was this his final NBA game?
The Los Angeles Lakers are out of the playoffs after a decisive 4-0 sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and now only one question remains: did we just watch LeBron James play his last NBA game?
If so, the King certainly did not go quietly. Game 4 on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena ended in a 115-110 OKC win. The Lakers had their chances – more than one, in fact – but both LeBron and Austin Reaves missed key shots in the closing minutes, clearing the path for the Thunder to reach the Western Conference Finals.
I definitely don’t consider this season a disappointment, that’s for sure. I found myself in situations I had never played in before in my career – actually, in my whole life. I’ve never been a third option in my life
LeBron James
Numbers that defy age
We’re talking about a 41-year-old man. Forty-one. Yet in Game 4, he posted 24 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists while resting only eight minutes. Over the full series, according to StatMuse, he led the team in both scoring and assists with averages of 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists in four games – against the defending champions, no less.
In his 23rd NBA season, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game, appearing in 60 contests – his third-highest total over the last six years. Numbers many players in their twenties could only dream of.
The future? LeBron won’t commit
After the series, the retirement question naturally resurfaced. As he often does, LeBron James neither closed nor opened any doors.
I don’t know what the future has in store for me… I’m going home, I’ll talk with my family, spend time with them, and when the time comes, you’ll know what I decided
LeBron James
An intentionally vague answer that will fuel debate all summer long. It should be noted that he skillfully dodged the topic during the regular season as well, but now that the Lakers are officially done, it will be harder to keep postponing it.
Even if his career were to end with a sweep, it would change nothing about what LeBron James represents in NBA history.
A defining summer for the Lakers
The elimination also opens major questions about the Lakers’ roster. Several players could leave Los Angeles in the coming weeks:
- LeBron James – unrestricted free agent
- Rui Hachimura – unrestricted free agent
- Luke Kennard – unrestricted free agent
- Jaxson Hayes – unrestricted free agent
- Maxi Kleber – unrestricted free agent
- Austin Reaves – player option
- Deandre Ayton – player option
- Marcus Smart – player option
The Lakers’ offseason is shaping up to bring major changes, regardless of LeBron’s decision.