The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs despite securing the third seed — a goal they had set before the season even began. Yet, the biggest question looming over the offseason for Lakers fans has been the same one they've faced for the past few years: Will LeBron James retire?
If James returns for another season, he’ll be 40 years old when it starts and will turn 41 midway through. Age inevitably catches up with every player, and James has repeatedly stated that he never wants to "cheat the game." At the end of last season, he made it clear that his future is something he would discuss with his family.
“I don’t know. I don’t have the answer to that," James said. "It’s something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife, and my support group and kind of just talk through it and see what happens.”
The new generation of NBA talent grew up idolizing James, including presumed No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, who has expressed excitement at the chance to face him — if James decides to keep playing.
Former NBA guard Jeff Teague, who once battled James in the playoffs, has noticed a decline in his game. While it was subtle during the regular season, Teague saw it more clearly in the postseason.
“I wish he retired though cause I don’t like seeing that though with Bron. Like I see Donte DiVincenzo and that's my guy, but was guarding him kind of making it a little tough, like the f**k. Like sh*t that didn’t happen to Bron, I’m starting to see happen,” Teague said.
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Still, not everyone sees James slowing down. Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht recently revealed a conversation with James that painted a much different picture.
“[LeBron] said he could play another 5-10 years,” Knecht said.
James and Knecht formed a strong bond during the season, so it's possible the rookie has some insight into the superstar’s mindset. If James truly has another 5–10 years in him — especially at a high level — it would be unprecedented in NBA history.