“Honestly, I just want to go home to my family,” said a frustrated LeBron James in response to a reporter’s question about his future, making it clear that he didn’t feel like talking anymore. Shortly before, he was eliminated from the NBA playoffs with the Los Angeles Lakers against the Denver Nuggets. A 106:108 defeat sealed their fate on Monday, it was the decisive fourth defeat in the fifth game.
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But what happens next for the 39-year-old, most successful point collector in the NBA? Is he leaving LA? Does it stay or does it even stop altogether? And what role does his son play?
When asked if it was the last time he wore the Lakers jersey, LeBron simply replied with a smile: “I’m not going to answer that.” He then left the press conference.
In the summer, James can decide whether he wants to get out of his current contract or extend his contract with the Lakers for another season and earn more than 51 million dollars (the equivalent of a good 48 million euros). Recently there were rumors that the veteran would not take this player option.
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James wants to wait and see
Immediately after the playoff exit, The Athletic only reported that James would like to stay in the NBA for another two years. Whether this will be in Los Angeles or another franchise is still unclear. According to the report, James first wants to wait and see what offseason moves the Lakers are planning and whether they will manage to give the squad the necessary depth. Remaining is nevertheless considered the most likely option.
One main reason: The Lakers really want to keep James – even a three-year contract worth $164 million should be possible. However, LeBron’s 19-year-old son Bronny could also play a significant role in his decision. He has registered for the NBA draft – the annual talent selection. However, James Jr. could still retire; talent scouts have little hope for him due to his offensive weakness. James dreams of one day being on the field with Bronny.
Lakers probably open to James’ big dream
According to The Athletic, the Lakers are again open to drafting LeBron’s son in order to fulfill his father’s lifelong dream. Or will LeBron simply follow his son in a draft? “Wherever Bronny is, that’s where I’ll be,” James said in 2022. “I will do everything I can to be able to play with my son for a year. At this point it’s not about the money,” said LeBron, supporting his dream.
Son Bronny tipping the scales
Finally, James explained again that his son had all the freedom: “Ultimately the boy (Bronny, editor’s note) will do what he wants. I say boy, but he’s a young man now, he’ll decide which path he wants to take in his career.” All that seems clear at the moment is that the list of potential options is quite long.
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The four-time NBA champion wants to rest first and “just think about my family. “I’ll focus on her,” James said. He doesn’t have time for that for long. He will soon be preparing with the USA for the Olympic Games in Paris (July 26th to August 11th).
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Burglary with consequences
The Lakers lost the fifth game against Denver on Tuesday night and thus lost the series 1:4.
Particularly bitter: The Lakers collapsed again as the game went on. While in that series a lead of 20 and twice twelve points was not enough for a victory, in the fifth meeting there were at least nine points that the record champions gambled away from the middle of the third quarter. In the end, Nuggets professional Jamal Murray – as he did in game two – put the lid on the game with a jump shot four seconds before the end.
The fact that James himself had a strong evening with 30 points, eleven assists and nine rebounds and was able to tie the game again with two successful free throws 26 seconds before the end could not brighten the superstar’s mood. Probably also because he knew what questions would come.
2024-04-30 12:29:34
#Sports #America #puzzling #megastar #letting #team
