LeBron James is expected to play for the Los Angeles Lakers next season, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. The four-time NBA MVP hinted that he might retire after the Lakers lost Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals to the Denver Nuggets, but a source close to James told ESPN that he believes LeBron will be back next season.
“Beyond James’ retirement decision — which could be a nonissue, with a source close to James telling ESPN on Thursday that he believes the Lakers star will indeed be back for season No. 21 and fulfill his contract — the biggest question facing the Lakers this offseason is figuring out what to do at point guard,” McMenamin wrote. “After L.A. spent 1½ seasons reeling from its 2021 trade to acquire Russell Westbrook, the need to get the position right should be fresh on the minds of the front office.”
James has a torn tendon in his right foot, an injury he may need surgery on. If the four-time Finals MVP undergoes surgery this summer, he could be out for two months. LeBron, 38, suffered the foot injury on February 26 versus the Dallas Mavericks.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Arguably the greatest player in NBA history, James signed a two-year extension with the Lakers last summer. The King has a player option for the 2024-25 season.
LeBron will turn 39 next season. He averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists this season and made the All-NBA third team. Despite having a torn tendon in his right foot, James still averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists in the playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Nuggets.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers only have three players under contract for next season: James, Anthony Davis, and Max Christie. LeBron wants Los Angeles to acquire Kyrie Irving this summer, but it’s unknown if the Lakers’ front office wants to deal with Irving.
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