LeBron James Breaks Silence on Retirement Rumors, Reports About Future With Lakers

Rumors surrounding LeBron James have swirled since the Los Angeles Lakers' season came to an end on Monday night.

Following the Lakers' 108-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs, James sat at the podium in his postgame press conference and was asked about his future in basketball. When asked if Monday night's game was potentially his last with the Lakers, James simply said, "I'm not going to answer that."

James recently alluded to the fact that his impending retirement was coming soon, but he didn't specify exactly when that would be. While James made it clear he was going to take some time to be with his family and make a decision, numerous reports then came out regarding his future not only with the Lakers, but in the NBA as a whole.

One report from The Athletic said James was planning on playing up to two more seasons in the league. Another report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said James "in all likelihood" would be back with the Lakers on a two- or three-year deal.

James clearly saw all the reports, because on Tuesday night, he took to social media to make his intentions clear.

"I've seen, heard a lot of reports about my future," James said on X. "I said it last night and I'll say it again. I do not know yet as I'm only thinking about spending time with my family & friends! When I know after speaking with the fam, my counsel as well as my representation about it then you guys will know. Until then 🤫. Love 👑"

Obviously, no one knows better than James what his plans are following the end of the 2023-24 season, and he has shut down any reports that are not coming from either him or his camp, headed by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports.

James has a player option for the 2024-25 season valued at $51.4 million. If he declines the option, he could sign a max extension that could reach three years and $164 million, which would take him through his age-42 season.

James proved this past season that he could still play at a high level. The 39-year-old appeared in 71 regular season games — his most since 2017-18 — and averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game. He made the All-Star team for a 20th consecutive season, and was arguably the Lakers' best and most consistent player all year long.

However, James made it clear that he's accomplished everything there is to accomplish at the NBA level, and at some point, he has to hang it up and be with his family.

"I got a family," James said, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "I got a 9-year-old daughter [Zhuri]. I got a son [Bronny] that's in college, that's deciding if he's going to go to college or go pro. I got a son [Bryce] that's about to be a senior in high school. I've missed a lot of family time and they've allowed me to do that and never put no pressure on me... That s--- is important too. What more [is left]? I've done everything I can do. There's nothing I haven't accomplished in this league that I've wanted to accomplish. So like at some point you got to [hang it up]."

For now, it appears James is in the deciding phase. It hasn't even been 24 hours since his Lakers lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

But until James publicly makes a decision, all eyes will be on the future Hall of Famer — especially the eyes of those with the Lakers.