LeBron James Considering Retiring, Saying, "I've got a lot to think about" After The Season-Ending Defeat To The Nuggets

In the wake of Monday’s Game 4 defeat to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals, which completed a Nuggets sweep, the Los Angeles Lakers star considered his NBA future during his press conference.

The just concluded season had to be reviewed, he was told. He finally found himself considering his future.

.@KingJames: “Personally, going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about.” pic.twitter.com/RYOoj3H9Qa
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 23, 2023

The season for LeBron James is ended. He is already planning his next move. He also maintains that retirement is still an option.

“We’ll see what happens going forward.” “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest.”
“Just for me personally, going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about.”
LeBron James

“I don't like to say it was a successful year because I dont play for anything besides winning championships at this point in my career… Personally, going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about.”

LeBron James on his future.pic.twitter.com/QQsorEjRR8
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 23, 2023

The NBA and its supporters were left to decipher what he meant as he set down his microphone and walked away.

LeBron James is reportedly considering retiring

Then, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James said he must “think about” if “I want to continue to play” in the upcoming season.

LeBron James to ESPN on his thought process going into the offseason:
Q: When you say you got to think about stuff, what thread should we be pulling on that?
A: "If I want to continue to play."
Q: As in next year?
A: "Yeah."
Q: You would walk away?
A: "I got to think about it."
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 23, 2023

According to McMenamin, they chatted as James was leaving the arena late on Monday.

From 13th place in the West at the All-Star break to the final four this postseason.

Was the Lakers' season a success? pic.twitter.com/dhlO0ZcUXG
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 23, 2023

Clarity, to a certain extent, quickly became apparent. After the press conference, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report stated that James is “unsure if he’ll be with team when 2023-24 season starts in fall and retirement is under consideration.”

LeBron James is reportedly considering retiring after 20 years in the NBA, per @ChrisBHaynes.

James is unsure if he'll be with the Lakers when the 2023-24 NBA season starts and has 'a lot to weigh.' pic.twitter.com/X8vs0xRECV
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 23, 2023

James’ words from only two weeks ago have changed his thinking significantly if he is indeed thinking about retiring.

When trying to beat Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s previous NBA scoring record, James remarked on January 31.

“I’m not going anywhere.” “I’m going to be in this league for at least a few more years.”
LeBron James

LeBron James on chasing the NBA’s all-time scoring record: “I’m going to do it. It’s just a matter of time when I’m going to do it. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be in this league for at least a few more years.” pic.twitter.com/kIPmDFwF0F
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 1, 2023

Meanwhile, he has frequently expressed his ambition to play in the NBA with his son, Bronny James. James most recently said it on May 6, after Bronny declared his commitment to USC. For the 2024–2025 NBA season, Bronny will be able to sign on.

“I was serious.” “And I’m still serious about it. Obviously, I’ve got to continue to keep my body and my mind fresh, I think my mind most importantly. … But at the end of the day, I’ve done what I had to do in this league, and my son is going to take his journey.”
LeBron James

James and the Lakers had a great season this year on several levels. James was crowned the NBA‘s all-time leading scorer. To clinch a position in the play-in round and eventually make it to the conference finals, the Lakers overcame a 13-20 start and a losing record (37-38) as late as March 26.

LeBron James ended his postgame press conference on a cryptic note…

H/T @jovanbuha pic.twitter.com/qyPiP2VzEH
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 23, 2023

James is still among the best players in the league despite showing indications of slowing down on the court. This season, he had a 28.9 point, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assist average.

It was a disappointing way to close the season. After a defeat that ends a season, emotions are still raw. In addition, James wouldn’t be the first to make a statement to get media attention.