LeBron James could be done with basketball and the signs are everywhere originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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LeBron James might finally retire from basketball. The Los Angeles Lakers just lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs. Now, many fans think the superstar will walk away before next season. This talk of retirement grows louder every single day.
Bleacher Report says retirement is a real option this time. Team sources say LeBron does not want a long farewell tour. If he leaves, he wants a quiet exit. After the last game, LeBron said he does not know his future. He will decide by August. He wants to see if he still loves the hard daily training. Five hours of body work before games is very tough for him.
LeBron is 41 years old now. He just finished his 23rd season in the NBA. He still plays well. He scored about 21 points per game this year. That matches his rookie scoring average. But playing an extra 24th season requires too much physical energy.
The Lakers’ situation also makes retirement likely. The team gave Luka Doncic a huge contract extension. The Lakers now build around Doncic instead of the 41-year-old storied veteran. The Lakers forward must take a smaller role if he stays. Also, the team does not have enough money to buy other great players. Austin Reaves might leave the team too.
LeBron is now an unrestricted free agent. He can choose any team. But joining a championship team means taking a big pay cut. Other teams do not have the money to pay his old salary. The Lakers’ leader is already a wealthy billionaire. He does not need a paycheck to sit on the bench.
LeBron said his retirement should be a celebration of life. He accomplished everything possible in professional basketball. Walking away now makes complete sense for his future life. He has absolutely nothing left to prove to the sports world.
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