The Los Angeles Lakers already had much to contemplate after the team’s Western Conference Finals sweep (4-0) to the Denver Nuggets, but LeBron James hinting at retirement was an interesting curveball. Few around the league expect him to shut it down with two years left on his contract at roughly $97.6 million, but James has the means to walk away from the game if so motivated. “He’ll suit up next year,” one Western Conference executive said. “He just changed the conversation. Now we’re not talking about a sweep; we’re talking about LeBron and retirement. He loves to control the narrative.”
Source: Eric Pincus @ Bleacher Report
Source: Eric Pincus @ Bleacher Report
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
“You can’t be scared of defending anyone in the NBA..”
-Dyson Daniels on guarding LeBron, Luka, Booker and others in his rookie season with the Pelicans.
pic.twitter.com/0ZYVgnPIqy – 10:14 PM
“You can’t be scared of defending anyone in the NBA..”
-Dyson Daniels on guarding LeBron, Luka, Booker and others in his rookie season with the Pelicans.
pic.twitter.com/0ZYVgnPIqy – 10:14 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Just recorded Thursday’s episode of Beyond The Arc with @loganmmurdock!
We discussed the Heat-Celtics series, whether the Nuggets will beat either of them, and I asked him if my LeBron-to-Warriors idea is crazy.
That’ll air on @FanDuelTV at 9AM ET/6 AM PT. Set your DVR now! 😎 – 8:12 PM
Just recorded Thursday’s episode of Beyond The Arc with @loganmmurdock!
We discussed the Heat-Celtics series, whether the Nuggets will beat either of them, and I asked him if my LeBron-to-Warriors idea is crazy.
That’ll air on @FanDuelTV at 9AM ET/6 AM PT. Set your DVR now! 😎 – 8:12 PM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
New @ESPNAusNZ: Dyson Daniels’ intro to the league moment: An early season road matchup against the Lakers that saw the 19-year-old guard LeBron James, before it ultimately ended in his first tough NBA moment. Daniels recalls that night in LA.
espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id… – 7:34 PM
New @ESPNAusNZ: Dyson Daniels’ intro to the league moment: An early season road matchup against the Lakers that saw the 19-year-old guard LeBron James, before it ultimately ended in his first tough NBA moment. Daniels recalls that night in LA.
espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id… – 7:34 PM
Rob Mahoney @RobMahoney
New Group Chat on the Celtics actually showing up for Game 4, where the Heat might be tested, what to make of LeBron weighing his options, and—by sheer force of will from me and Wos—as much Nuggets talk as we could shoehorn in: open.spotify.com/episode/5wt9Rs… – 5:57 PM
New Group Chat on the Celtics actually showing up for Game 4, where the Heat might be tested, what to make of LeBron weighing his options, and—by sheer force of will from me and Wos—as much Nuggets talk as we could shoehorn in: open.spotify.com/episode/5wt9Rs… – 5:57 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
LeBron James retirement rumors: Three reasons it’s extremely unlikely Lakers star will walk away from NBA
By: @therealmikekb
cbssports.com/nba/news/lebro… – 5:35 PM
LeBron James retirement rumors: Three reasons it’s extremely unlikely Lakers star will walk away from NBA
By: @therealmikekb
cbssports.com/nba/news/lebro… – 5:35 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
3 reasons it’s extremely unlikely LeBron James will actually walk away from the NBA
by @therealmikekb
cbssports.com/nba/news/lebro… – 5:23 PM
3 reasons it’s extremely unlikely LeBron James will actually walk away from the NBA
by @therealmikekb
cbssports.com/nba/news/lebro… – 5:23 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
🗣NEW @HardwoodKnocks
—Nikola Jokic/Nuggets (2:59)
—Celtics (21:09)
—Heat (34:40)
—Bucks (46:36)
—LeBron (52:39)
—Lakers (59:40)
—Melo (1:14:03)
🍎apple.co/3WuFKIB
✳️spoti.fi/3MQ8nwG
📺bit.ly/hwkx905
SUBSCRIBE👇
linktr.ee/hardwoodknocks
FULL BREAKDOWN⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SovIeExENb – 5:19 PM
🗣NEW @HardwoodKnocks
—Nikola Jokic/Nuggets (2:59)
—Celtics (21:09)
—Heat (34:40)
—Bucks (46:36)
—LeBron (52:39)
—Lakers (59:40)
—Melo (1:14:03)
🍎apple.co/3WuFKIB
✳️spoti.fi/3MQ8nwG
📺bit.ly/hwkx905
SUBSCRIBE👇
linktr.ee/hardwoodknocks
FULL BREAKDOWN⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SovIeExENb – 5:19 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
I love how nobody is taking the LeBron retirement thing seriously at all. He said what he said the other night and the entire NBA world collectively went “Yeah, for sure, dude, totally.” – 5:10 PM
I love how nobody is taking the LeBron retirement thing seriously at all. He said what he said the other night and the entire NBA world collectively went “Yeah, for sure, dude, totally.” – 5:10 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“He’s still a brilliant basketball player..who wouldn’t want that on their team?”
As LeBron James debates his future, @TheFrankIsola & @whitemamba look at LeBron’s future and why he may have made the comments he did after they were eliminated
#LakeShow | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/8oRj6aLsYH – 5:04 PM
“He’s still a brilliant basketball player..who wouldn’t want that on their team?”
As LeBron James debates his future, @TheFrankIsola & @whitemamba look at LeBron’s future and why he may have made the comments he did after they were eliminated
#LakeShow | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/8oRj6aLsYH – 5:04 PM
Eric Pincus @EricPincus
Latest @BleacherReport
What Are Los Angeles Lakers Options If LeBron James Really Does Retire?
bleacherreport.com/articles/10077… – 4:41 PM
Latest @BleacherReport
What Are Los Angeles Lakers Options If LeBron James Really Does Retire?
bleacherreport.com/articles/10077… – 4:41 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Potentially going from Boardwalk to Baltic Avenue isn’t something Buss or the other Lakers stakeholders are anxious to return to.
And LeBron James knows this. sports.yahoo.com/if-you-think-l… – 4:38 PM
Potentially going from Boardwalk to Baltic Avenue isn’t something Buss or the other Lakers stakeholders are anxious to return to.
And LeBron James knows this. sports.yahoo.com/if-you-think-l… – 4:38 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
New Lowe Post podcast: On Denver’s five-year arc to this point and Boston’s Game 4 win w/ @kirkgoldsberry, then @mcten on the scene when LeBron hinted at retirement, and what’s next for the Lakers:
Spotify: spoti.fi/3BWKXzD
Apple: apple.co/43r1fw7 – 4:33 PM
New Lowe Post podcast: On Denver’s five-year arc to this point and Boston’s Game 4 win w/ @kirkgoldsberry, then @mcten on the scene when LeBron hinted at retirement, and what’s next for the Lakers:
Spotify: spoti.fi/3BWKXzD
Apple: apple.co/43r1fw7 – 4:33 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Joined @ColinCowherd on @TheHerd yesterday to talk LeBron, Nuggets rise, the criticism of Joe Mazzulla and more youtube.com/watch?v=KcGZB7… – 4:01 PM
Joined @ColinCowherd on @TheHerd yesterday to talk LeBron, Nuggets rise, the criticism of Joe Mazzulla and more youtube.com/watch?v=KcGZB7… – 4:01 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
Nikola Jokic & Jayson Tatum have each posted six 30-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist games in this postseason 👀
Only LeBron has recorded more such performances (7) in a single playoff run. pic.twitter.com/2r5DuWFEWU – 2:28 PM
Nikola Jokic & Jayson Tatum have each posted six 30-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist games in this postseason 👀
Only LeBron has recorded more such performances (7) in a single playoff run. pic.twitter.com/2r5DuWFEWU – 2:28 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
NEW: Jumped on @TheVolumeSports YouTube with @HowardBeck to dive into LeBron’s cryptic postgame comments. Could LeBron really retire? We discuss here: youtu.be/ceaPyx1iwOk – 2:04 PM
NEW: Jumped on @TheVolumeSports YouTube with @HowardBeck to dive into LeBron’s cryptic postgame comments. Could LeBron really retire? We discuss here: youtu.be/ceaPyx1iwOk – 2:04 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
FWIW: LeBron James has become the first player in NBA history to lose 100 playoff games.
MOST GAMES LOST
LeBron James: 100
Derek Fisher: 98
MOST GAMES WON
LeBron James: 182
Derek Fisher: 161 – 1:34 PM
FWIW: LeBron James has become the first player in NBA history to lose 100 playoff games.
MOST GAMES LOST
LeBron James: 100
Derek Fisher: 98
MOST GAMES WON
LeBron James: 182
Derek Fisher: 161 – 1:34 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
New for @YahooSports: It’s possible LeBron James could retire, someday it actually will happen but it ain’t happening now — if anything we know about the man in 20 years of him being on this public stage holds true. sports.yahoo.com/if-you-think-l… – 12:57 PM
New for @YahooSports: It’s possible LeBron James could retire, someday it actually will happen but it ain’t happening now — if anything we know about the man in 20 years of him being on this public stage holds true. sports.yahoo.com/if-you-think-l… – 12:57 PM
Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
What about LeBron finishing his career with #Cavs? Who are some under-the-radar, cheaper free agency targets? And what are Cleveland’s best trade assets? It’s the latest edition of Hey, Chris!
cleveland.com/cavs/2023/05/w… – 12:19 PM
What about LeBron finishing his career with #Cavs? Who are some under-the-radar, cheaper free agency targets? And what are Cleveland’s best trade assets? It’s the latest edition of Hey, Chris!
cleveland.com/cavs/2023/05/w… – 12:19 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Tuesday’s @lockedonlakers podcast! During exit interviews, Rob Pelinka, Darvin Ham and several Lakers discuss the importance of roster continuity and giving LeBron space to figure out his future. @LockedOnNBAPods @LockedOnNetwork
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rob… – 12:08 PM
Tuesday’s @lockedonlakers podcast! During exit interviews, Rob Pelinka, Darvin Ham and several Lakers discuss the importance of roster continuity and giving LeBron space to figure out his future. @LockedOnNBAPods @LockedOnNetwork
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rob… – 12:08 PM
Chris Broussard @Chris_Broussard
Would LeBron actually retire this offseason? Is Jokic the Best Player in the World? Should the Knicks retire Carmelo’s jersey? #BOSvsMIA & more! Guests: @EphraimSalaam @martinweiss
Catch us live weeknights 7-10pm ET @FoxSportsRadio & @iHeartRadio podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the… – 11:05 AM
Would LeBron actually retire this offseason? Is Jokic the Best Player in the World? Should the Knicks retire Carmelo’s jersey? #BOSvsMIA & more! Guests: @EphraimSalaam @martinweiss
Catch us live weeknights 7-10pm ET @FoxSportsRadio & @iHeartRadio podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the… – 11:05 AM
Bill Reiter @sportsreiter
The radio show is live on @CBSSportsRadio from 10-noon ET: Celtics finally beat Heat, Aaron Rodgers’ charm offensive, Pelinka’s plan, LeBron’s future, @CoachAvery6, Buy/Sell w/@DecelCBS, Doc’s shot, Purdy’s push, more.
LISTEN:
ReiterThanYou.com
@Audacy app
@SIRIUSXM 158 – 9:39 AM
The radio show is live on @CBSSportsRadio from 10-noon ET: Celtics finally beat Heat, Aaron Rodgers’ charm offensive, Pelinka’s plan, LeBron’s future, @CoachAvery6, Buy/Sell w/@DecelCBS, Doc’s shot, Purdy’s push, more.
LISTEN:
ReiterThanYou.com
@Audacy app
@SIRIUSXM 158 – 9:39 AM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Jayson Tatum last night:
✅ 33 PTS
✅ 11 REB
✅ 7 AST
Tatum has recorded at least 30p/10r/5a in a game six times this postseason.
The only player in NBA history to produce more such games in a single postseason is LeBron James with seven in 2018.
More: open.substack.com/pub/statitudes… – 8:46 AM
Jayson Tatum last night:
✅ 33 PTS
✅ 11 REB
✅ 7 AST
Tatum has recorded at least 30p/10r/5a in a game six times this postseason.
The only player in NBA history to produce more such games in a single postseason is LeBron James with seven in 2018.
More: open.substack.com/pub/statitudes… – 8:46 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Dwight Howard tries to talk LeBron James into joining him in Taiwan 😅
pic.twitter.com/nWiQb0GYMG – 1:36 AM
Dwight Howard tries to talk LeBron James into joining him in Taiwan 😅
pic.twitter.com/nWiQb0GYMG – 1:36 AM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
🚨 New @BillSimmons Podcast 🚨
We get into Game 4 of Celtics-Heat, whether Jeter and A-Rod saved the Celtics, Tatum’s huge game, and Boston’s odds of making a 3-0 comeback. We also had a Jokicgasm.
Then @jovanbuha joins to discuss LeBron’s plans and the Lakers’ summer ahead. – 1:24 AM
🚨 New @BillSimmons Podcast 🚨
We get into Game 4 of Celtics-Heat, whether Jeter and A-Rod saved the Celtics, Tatum’s huge game, and Boston’s odds of making a 3-0 comeback. We also had a Jokicgasm.
Then @jovanbuha joins to discuss LeBron’s plans and the Lakers’ summer ahead. – 1:24 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
LeBron James thinks he’s still better than 90-95% of players in the NBA 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/A1Ka9WMU2L – 1:24 AM
LeBron James thinks he’s still better than 90-95% of players in the NBA 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/A1Ka9WMU2L – 1:24 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Come on people, you can’t expect Jayson Tatum to play as many minutes as a young, fully healthy LeBron James did last night? – 10:28 PM
Come on people, you can’t expect Jayson Tatum to play as many minutes as a young, fully healthy LeBron James did last night? – 10:28 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Tyrese Haliburton on Carmelo Anthony retiring:
“Melo was one of the guys for for me. That ‘03 draft class is special for me…”
LeBron is his favorite player, but Anthony was right up there. And he faced him in his first-ever preseason game.
fieldhousefiles.com/p/carmelo-anth… – 10:27 PM
Tyrese Haliburton on Carmelo Anthony retiring:
“Melo was one of the guys for for me. That ‘03 draft class is special for me…”
LeBron is his favorite player, but Anthony was right up there. And he faced him in his first-ever preseason game.
fieldhousefiles.com/p/carmelo-anth… – 10:27 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Jimmy Butler last scored with 1:53 left in 1st quarter in between that layup
Celtics outscored Heat by 17 points in between those points. Similar to LeBron’s scoring break last night – 10:07 PM
Jimmy Butler last scored with 1:53 left in 1st quarter in between that layup
Celtics outscored Heat by 17 points in between those points. Similar to LeBron’s scoring break last night – 10:07 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Will LeBron James return? How will the Lakers handle free agency? @RealAClifton, @Mike_Bresnahan & I break it all down on @SpectrumSN. Tune in at 7 pm PT! – 9:41 PM
Will LeBron James return? How will the Lakers handle free agency? @RealAClifton, @Mike_Bresnahan & I break it all down on @SpectrumSN. Tune in at 7 pm PT! – 9:41 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
LeBron James’ retirement talk likely a push to get #Lakers to build a champion . #nba #LAL nypost.com/2023/05/23/leb… via @nypostsports – 9:12 PM
LeBron James’ retirement talk likely a push to get #Lakers to build a champion . #nba #LAL nypost.com/2023/05/23/leb… via @nypostsports – 9:12 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Will LeBron James actually retire from the NBA?
🔊 @CPTheFanchise and @adaniels33 believe he was sending a message to the Lakers front office #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/2TJPzL1ufn – 8:31 PM
Will LeBron James actually retire from the NBA?
🔊 @CPTheFanchise and @adaniels33 believe he was sending a message to the Lakers front office #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/2TJPzL1ufn – 8:31 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
New story: The Lakers are giving LeBron James all the time he needs coming off the season to decide about his future. Meanwhile there are plenty of other roster decisions for GM Rob Pelinka to make es.pn/423Umjl – 8:28 PM
New story: The Lakers are giving LeBron James all the time he needs coming off the season to decide about his future. Meanwhile there are plenty of other roster decisions for GM Rob Pelinka to make es.pn/423Umjl – 8:28 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Column: Dennis Schroder “doesn’t see it.” D’Angelo Russell believes LeBron “has more left in the tank.” The Lakers don’t believe @KingJames will retire. Do you? si.com/nba/2023/05/23… – 8:27 PM
Column: Dennis Schroder “doesn’t see it.” D’Angelo Russell believes LeBron “has more left in the tank.” The Lakers don’t believe @KingJames will retire. Do you? si.com/nba/2023/05/23… – 8:27 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lakers are giving LeBron James space to decide his future out of respect for him & their optimism he’ll decide to keep playing. Either way, Lakers are leaning toward maximizing continuity with their roster. My dispatch for @SportingTrib bit.ly/43pk4jg pic.twitter.com/oL2wQo9C1u – 8:22 PM
Lakers are giving LeBron James space to decide his future out of respect for him & their optimism he’ll decide to keep playing. Either way, Lakers are leaning toward maximizing continuity with their roster. My dispatch for @SportingTrib bit.ly/43pk4jg pic.twitter.com/oL2wQo9C1u – 8:22 PM
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
Lakers remain hopeful LeBron will come back.
@MarkG_Medina I @SportingTrib
thesportingtribune.com/lakers-remain-… – 7:52 PM
Lakers remain hopeful LeBron will come back.
@MarkG_Medina I @SportingTrib
thesportingtribune.com/lakers-remain-… – 7:52 PM
Andrew Bogut @RogueBoguesPod
Basketball Pod Ep 106 – @andrewbogut and @HoopConsultants discuss the Lakers v Denver series and LeBron James.
Listen to the ep here 👇
linktr.ee/roguebogues
Find this discussion 18:56
#LetsGetRogue #RogueBogues #NBA #Finals #Lakers #Denver pic.twitter.com/50UvWv21Gh – 7:05 PM
Basketball Pod Ep 106 – @andrewbogut and @HoopConsultants discuss the Lakers v Denver series and LeBron James.
Listen to the ep here 👇
linktr.ee/roguebogues
Find this discussion 18:56
#LetsGetRogue #RogueBogues #NBA #Finals #Lakers #Denver pic.twitter.com/50UvWv21Gh – 7:05 PM
Micah Adams @MAdamsStatGuy
The number of players in NBA history IN THEIR PRIME who could have taken this Lakers team to the conference finals is less than 10.
LeBron did it in his 20th season.
Zero shame losing to that Nuggets team.
Prime LeBron set the bar so high he’s now a victim of his own success. – 6:48 PM
The number of players in NBA history IN THEIR PRIME who could have taken this Lakers team to the conference finals is less than 10.
LeBron did it in his 20th season.
Zero shame losing to that Nuggets team.
Prime LeBron set the bar so high he’s now a victim of his own success. – 6:48 PM
Mike Finger @mikefinger
For LeBron James, being the best player of his generation often has meant asking if he owes it to himself to move on.
If Victor Wembanyama lives up to the hype, he’ll ask the same someday. The Spurs’ aim is to ensure he settles on a different answer.
expressnews.com/sports/article…) – 6:27 PM
For LeBron James, being the best player of his generation often has meant asking if he owes it to himself to move on.
If Victor Wembanyama lives up to the hype, he’ll ask the same someday. The Spurs’ aim is to ensure he settles on a different answer.
expressnews.com/sports/article…) – 6:27 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
“Coming off a tough loss like that, the work we put in this season, I think I was ready to retire after last night too.” 😂
Darvin Ham on LeBron’s retirement talk ⬇️
(via @melissarohlin)
pic.twitter.com/bNioZ9dLhU – 6:21 PM
“Coming off a tough loss like that, the work we put in this season, I think I was ready to retire after last night too.” 😂
Darvin Ham on LeBron’s retirement talk ⬇️
(via @melissarohlin)
pic.twitter.com/bNioZ9dLhU – 6:21 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Instead of retiring, I wonder if LeBron James might consider taking a year off and then returning for the 2024-25 season to play with Bronny? – 6:06 PM
Instead of retiring, I wonder if LeBron James might consider taking a year off and then returning for the 2024-25 season to play with Bronny? – 6:06 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Tristan Thompson asked about LeBron: “That man is one of the biggest competitors I know … I feel like, even though we got swept, this team we have, I think this team has a chance to get back to where we are and be one of the final teams of the season.” – 5:44 PM
Tristan Thompson asked about LeBron: “That man is one of the biggest competitors I know … I feel like, even though we got swept, this team we have, I think this team has a chance to get back to where we are and be one of the final teams of the season.” – 5:44 PM
More on this storyline
When asked about James’ comments from the night before, his teammates responded with varying levels of surprise while also supporting his right to determine his future. “I can’t see that,” Dennis Schröder said. “I don’t know what’s going on. Maybe it’s personnel, whatever. But I mean, to retire and the last game in the playoffs you make 40, 10 and nine, I think you still got juice, you know, to play a couple more years. So whatever he decides, you know, he played for 20 years, we’re gonna support him. I’m gonna support him. And hopefully, he’s gonna come back.” -via The Athletic / May 24, 2023
Clutch Points: “Rest In Paradise Queen Tina!!!!” LeBron James reacts to the passing of legendary singer Tina Turner 🤎 pic.twitter.com/llKBe8j5PC -via Twitter @ClutchPointsApp / May 24, 2023
Other NBA sources suggested James was getting an early start on his leverage campaign on the Lakers’ front office, attempting to influence GM Rob Pelinka to chase free agent Kyrie Irving, who is still expected by many to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks. Was it Machiavellian design, a man caught up in the moment’s emotion or an earnest possibility that James might retire? “Give it a week,” another executive said. “Let’s see if he’s saying the same thing.” -via Bleacher Report / May 24, 2023
