Los Angeles Lakers point guard Dennis Schroder doesn’t think superstar small forward LeBron James will retire this NBA offseason. Schroder, who conducted his exit interview on May 23, believes James can still play for a few more years.
“I didn’t even see it yet. I can’t see that,” Schroder said in his exit interview. “I don’t know what’s going on. Maybe it’s personal, whatever. To retire and the last game in the playoffs you make 40, 10, and 9? I think you still got juice to play a couple more years.
“Whatever he decides, he’s played 20 years. We’re going to support him. I’m going to support him. Hopefully, he comes back.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
James could retire from the NBA this summer, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. The four-time MVP and four-time Finals MVP is 38 and has a torn tendon in his right foot.
“I’m simply not sure if I’ll be back in the fall when the season begins,” James told Bleacher Report. “I have a lot to think about.”
James, who will turn 39 next season, has been in the NBA since 2003. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the iconic 2003 draft. LeBron signed a two-year, $97.1 million extension with the Lakers last summer. The 19-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer has a player option for the 2024-25 season.
“We’ll see. We’ll see what happens going forward,” James said after the Lakers lost Game 4 to the Denver Nuggets. “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest. Just for me personally going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers got swept by the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. James averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists in the 2023 playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Nuggets. He had 40 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in Game 4.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
