LeBron James said he will take time to reflect on his future after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs on Monday following a 115-110 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who completed a 4-0 series sweep in the Western Conference semi-finals.
The 41-year-old forward produced 24 points and 12 rebounds in a strong individual performance, but could not prevent the Lakers from bowing out of the postseason.
James is now out of contract with the Lakers and will enter free agency this summer, with uncertainty surrounding whether he will extend his career, move elsewhere, or retire.
Following the game in Los Angeles, attended by several Hollywood celebrities, James said he would consult with his family before making a decision.
“I’ve got a lot of time. I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family… and when the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do,” he said.
He added that any continuation of his career would depend on whether he still felt committed to the demands of elite-level competition.
“At this point, it’s about the process… if I can still commit to showing up and doing what it takes,” James said.
Despite the uncertainty, the four-time NBA champion said he feels fulfilled by his career achievements.
“There’s nothing I need to show in this league. I’ve done it all, I’ve seen it all,” he said, adding that winning remains his primary motivation.
The Thunder, meanwhile, advanced to the Western Conference finals, where they will face either the San Antonio Spurs or Minnesota Timberwolves.
In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers levelled their series at 2-2 after a 112-103 win over the Detroit Pistons, led by a dominant 43-point performance from Donovan Mitchell.
