LeBron James admitted that every game he plays in each stop of a Los Angeles Lakers‘ road trip could be his final one, with his retirement decision pending.
That made his trip to Cleveland especially emotional, as the four-time NBA champion and all-time points leader received a special tribute from the Cavaliers. Unfortunately, James’s magical moments during his time in Cleveland didn’t include a Lakers’ win on Wednesday evening.
Los Angeles suffered a 129-99 loss in his return trip. James finished with 11 points on 3-for-10 shooting in 27 minutes on the floor. He also recorded five assists, three rebounds, and six turnovers.
After the game, a reporter asked whether he had reflected on this possibly being his final visit to the city as a member of the Lakers, with a retirement decision also potentially on the horizon.
“I mean, yes, every road arena I’ve been in, I think I talked about that. Just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted, because it could be. Obviously, I haven’t made a decision on the future, but it very well could be so, no matter if it’s here or playing in Washington next game, Garden, Barclay, on this trip,” he told reporters postgame.
He’s in his 23rd year in the league and isn’t under contract for next year, with many individuals predicting he could retire from the NBA. However, LeBron will likely save that decision for some time after this season and the postseason.
The trip to Cleveland was also a homecoming for Bronny James, who the crowd recognized when he appeared late in the game. James said it was “surreal” when he thought about it all.
“It was pretty cool just sitting over there and watching him continuing to live out his dream,” James told reporters, adding it was “super cool” and “surreal” with his mother there to see her son and grandson play in the NBA at the same time.
Asked again about his retirement, the NBA superstar said he’s been trying to “stay present” in the moment rather than think about the future too much.
“I don’t know what the future holds..Just trying to live in the moment,” he indicated when asked again about his potential retirement.
James told reporters he hadn’t even considered a farewell tour because he hadn’t had any discussion with his family about when he’s retiring. Any talk of a special tour would come after those discussions, he said.
He also stated that eight years ago, when he joined the Lakers, if someone had asked him whether he’d still be playing in 2026, he would’ve said no. However, he’s still playing, and at a reasonably high level for his age and years in the league.
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