LeBron James had another amazing run with the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA playoffs. At the All-Star break, the 2022-2023 season seemed lost for the team with a 27-32 record. However, they made an impressive turnaround.
The Lakers eliminated Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs and then stopped a dynasty when they faced the Golden State Warriors. James delivered perfomances for the ages against Stephen Curry and the defending champions.
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However, the Denver Nuggets were extraordinary in the Western Conference finals. Los Angeles had no answer for Nikola Jokic and went home after a 4-0. As a result, LeBron James mumbled retirement and now the Lakers have responded to that.
Lakers send emotional message to LeBron James about retirement
LeBron James shocked the NBA after Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets. “We’ll see what happens going forward. I don’t know. I have a lot to think about to be honest. Just for me personally going forward in the game of basketball. I have a lot to think about.”
Now, the Lakers’ front office has responded to a situation which might change drastically the plans for the upcoming 2023-2024. Nevertheless, Rob Pelinka, the general manager, confirmed James has all their support.
“We’ll look forward to those conversations when the time is right, but I will say this: LeBron has given as much to the game of basketball as anyone who’s ever played. And when you do that, you earn a right to decide whether you’re going to give more.”
This is a crucial statement from the Lakers as they publicly acknowledge there’s no rush or pressure for LeBron at 38-years old. “I think sometimes we put athletes, entertainers, on a pedestal, but they’re humans and just like us. They have inflection points in their career”, said Pelinka.
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Furthermore, Rob Pelinka assured the Lakers want LeBron James as the face of the franchise. “Our job as a Laker is to support any player on our team if they reach a career inflection point and really providing nothing but support for him. Obviously, our hope would be that his career continues, but we want to again just give him the time.”
