What does the Los Angeles Lakers leadership say about the possibility of LeBron James' retirement?
At dawn this morning (May 24) Vietnam time, the Los Angeles Lakers held a press conference to end the 2022-23 NBA season, less than 24 hours after the purple-yellow shirt team received a Game 4 defeat in front of the home team. Champion of the West Denver Nuggets.
Head coach Darvin Ham, professional president Rob Pelinka and all the players were present, taking turns giving interviews from the press. However, there is exactly one name that is allowed to be absent, which is LeBron James.
Sharing the reason for this special exception with ESPN, a representative of the LA Lakers Board of Directors said that it will "respond to all requests for time for LeBron James to consider important future decisions".
On behalf of the Los Angeles Lakers elite, Mr. Rob Pelinka answered reporters about LeBron hinting at the possibility of retirement as follows:
“We will wait for the right time to talk and discuss. But I can share this: LeBron has contributed a lot to basketball, as much as anyone. And once you've done that, it's up to you to decide whether you should continue or not.
I think sometimes we put professional footballers or athletes in general on the scale to compare, evaluate and comment. But in the end, they're human like all of us."
“They will have turning points in their careers. As a team, as a brother and as a teammate, we will support any player who reaches this threshold, giving them time and space to decide.
Of course we want LeBron James to prolong his career and keep playing. But in the end, it's not a decision we can make. First of all, the team will make LeBron as comfortable as possible,” added Mr. Pelinka
Together in the Los Angeles Lakers locker room, it is possible that many of LeBron James' teammates were surprised by sharing "considering the possibility of retirement".
There are people who show respect and support for every decision James makes, there are also players who still do not believe what LeBron has to say after the 20th season of his career.
"It would be crazy for him to retire, especially when I feel like LeBron still has more than enough time to play," D'Angelo Russell said in an interview.
23-year-old pitcher Troy Brown Jr added: 'We've always been amazed by his stamina and phenomenal physique. I think being at that age and putting such a large load on the body is unthinkable.
More importantly, he still plays at a high level, presenting himself as one of the top players. Honestly, I don't blame LeBron for feeling like stopping here. But personally I think because of his love of basketball, he will continue to play."
Not only Los Angeles Lakers fans and individuals who love LeBron James, even the "king" teammates or the team's elite are in a passive position.All can only wait for a decision. given by LeBron himself.
The 38-year-old superstar still has two years left on his contract with the Lakers, which includes the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. In which the 2024-25 season comes with a final year self-determination clause (Player Option), which means that LeBron can become a free agent next summer.
