Barring a late miracle against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ season did not go quite as planned as injuries derailed a once red-hot team, prompting plenty of LeBron James retirement rumors. James will be a free agent this offseason which leaves the star with three options which we will discuss.
The Lakers star is 41 years old and has given no indication that he plans to retire. Yet, James has also remained non-committal on two fronts: re-signing with the Lakers and playing for any NBA team next season.
Let’s explore all of James’ options amid his uncertain future.
Option No. 1: LeBron James Bolts the Lakers for Another Team Like the Warriors, Cavaliers, Knicks or a Mystery Franchise
Heading into the season, it appeared as though the one certainty was this would be James’ final year with the Lakers. There was the odd public statement by James’ agent, Rich Paul, last offseason along with insiders like Marc Stein reporting that the star would either retire or sign elsewhere this summer.
Amid this chatter, James has been linked to the Golden State Warriors among other teams. James has made no secret about his affinity for Steph Curry throughout his career.
The Warriors tried unsuccessfully to trade for James in recent years. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Anthony Slater reported that Golden State could look to sign James in NBA free agency this summer.
“Either way, sources said there’s an expectation the Warriors could reengage the Clippers on Leonard’s availability this offseason, compile another offer for Antetokounmpo and test the waters again on soon-to-be free agent LeBron James,” Shelburne and Slater wrote in an April 20, story titled, “The Warriors’ summer of uncertainty starts with Steve Kerr.”
There is also James’ affinity for New York as well as a potential path to ending his career back in his home state of Ohio with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Option No. 2: LeBron James Retires & Rides Off Into the Sunset as a Laker
During an April 29, interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James admitted that he has thought about retired life. James revealed he plans to spend a lot more time with his wife, Savannah James and family, whenever this day comes.
“Hell yeah. My wife is going to get a lot of [expletive] time because I’ve had to sacrifice not being with my wife a lot because I wanted to be the greatest player that ever played this game,” James responded when asked about retirement.
“… My family deserves all my time. And then, me. I deserve my time, too. Because I’ve dedicated to this sport for so long that I’ll be happy as [expletive] when it’s all done to get the [expletive] away and give myself some grace.”
Option No. 3: The Final Path Is LeBron James Re-Signing With the Lakers & Continuing to Play With Bronny James
The path of least resistance is for James to simply re-sign with the Lakers and continue playing alongside his oldest son, Bronny James. Sure, there have been rumors about a possible exit either via retirement or signing with another team.
Does James really want to start over at this point in his NBA career? Signing with the Warriors or Cavs does not guarantee the star a fifth championship.
With the way the Lakers played when James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were all healthy, the superstar may feel like there is some unfinished business in Hollywood. Until James says differently, don’t be surprised if the superstar is once again wearing a Lakers jersey next season.
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