For several seasons, the same question has been asked, “Would this be LeBron James’ last in the NBA?” “. This specter resurfaced unexpectedly on Wednesday in Cleveland, the city of his heart, where the tears of the forty-year-old superstar were like a foretaste of farewell.
It was supposed to be just one more match for LBJ, in the ordinary of the endless regular season, even if a particular emotion grips him each time he returns to the Cavs floor, located half an hour from Akron, his hometown. Especially in front of this public who will be eternally grateful to him for having won the only championship title in 2016.
And then, suddenly, in the middle of the first quarter, his grin turned tearful, when a video paying tribute to him was broadcast on the giant screen of the Rocket Arena, without it being part of a farewell tour, which the “King” assured he had “never considered doing (…) because I have not yet discussed with myself and my family the moment when all this will end”, he then explained.
“It obviously upset me a little,” he admitted, as did his teammate son Bronny – “almost moved” he admitted – while the Cavs challenged the Lakers with a retro “Classic Edition” jersey that he himself wore at the end of the 2000s.
“My mother was there watching her son and her grandson… it’s so weird, surreal, awesome,” LeBron James almost justified before blowing hot and cold on the question of imminent retirement.
“No decision made”
“I don’t know what the future holds for me. I don’t know if this is my last match here or not. I have a lot of memories here. Looking up at the ceiling and our championship banner, a lot of things went through my head,” said the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
“I haven’t made a decision yet, but it could very well be the case,” he continued, as if putting a coin back into the speculation machine.
In the meantime, even if he is not the first to appear – James is accustomed to cryptic declarations on the theme, particularly under the influence of disappointment after an elimination – the signal of an end clap has never really been as strong as this Wednesday evening in Cleveland.
Some will have seen another one in mid-January, when a sewn patch appeared on his jersey, representing arms raised in front of the number “23”, in the colors of the three franchises for which he played (Cleveland, Miami and the Lakers), during a match in Sacramento. The same where he played the very first match of his immense career in 2003. Patch then disassembled to be collected, according to a well-conducted marketing operation, since each match played by the “King” has its own patch, until the end of the season.
Immediately, the comments rained in, without the most informed observers daring to believe in his retirement this spring – at which point the four-time NBA champion could decide to activate an extension option with the Lakers for the 2026-2027 season.
Some media argue against a reduction in salary, while others are betting on a final return to Cleveland, or even a departure for Stephen Curry’s Warriors.
Still efficient
“LeBron never leaves anything to chance, the whole world will know when his retirement time comes because he and his team will make sure that he is entitled to his farewell tour,” said Shaquille O’Neal, consultant to the NBA.
An opinion shared by Kenny Smith, former champion with Houston, arguing in the same program that “his contribution on the floor, his significant playing time, the absence of injury, the fact of playing with his son… all this indicates that he will continue”.
At 41, James remains essential to the Lakers (22 points, 6.7 assists, 5.9 rebounds on average in 33 minutes) even if leadership seems to fall to Slovenian Luka Doncic. And even if the fans did not favor him to appear in the starting five of the upcoming all-star game, a first since 2005.
We will have to wait for the outcome of the championship to know the decision of the “King”, especially driven by the ultimate quest for a fifth ring. The Lakers, 5th in the West, are on track to compete in the series and in the thirty games remaining in the regular season, the one on March 20 will be scrutinized. Because it will take place in Miami, where he was crowned twice with the Heat.
Enough to perhaps bring more tears to his eyes.
