What’s LeBron James’ Future Following Lakers’ Dramatic Loss?

The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James both have a history of winning. But, LeBron James' future with the team is up in the air following Monday night's (April 29) series-ending loss to the Denver Nuggets. Granted, the Nuggets are the reigning champions, so it was tough competition. But, Lakers fans and analysts alike think there could be a major change going into next season.

So, what is LeBron James' future with the Lakers and NBA looking like after the Los Angeles Lakers' 108-106 loss in Game 5 to the Denver Nuggets? It's all up in the air. But, if James were to continue in the NBA, his stats are still very strong. James, 39, closed out the season, his 21st in the NBA, with 30 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds and four steals in the Lakers' loss to the Nuggets. So, it's not a matter of him needing to retire but, if it's the case, wanting to retire. James could also move to another NBA team. He's done that several times before.

When asked about his future at a post-game press conference, James said that right now, he's focused on his family and upcoming training camp for USA Basketball for the Paris Olympics this summer. When asked how he would decide about entering a 22nd year in the NBA, he said, "I don't have an answer ... to be honest. I haven't given it much thought." But, he said that he would be getting together at some point with his agent, Rich Paul, and family to figure out "what's best for my career." If he does continue in the NBA, what about the speculation that he might leave the Lakers for another team? Well, he was also asked if Monday's game could be his final with the Lakers, in which he replied, "I'm not going to answer that." What seems more likely is that Lakers head coach Darvin Ham will be let go, after two seasons with the team.

We should have an answer by the end of June, since James has until June 29 to either enter the last year of his contract with the Lakers for $51.4 million or move on to become an unrestricted free agent. James will also be part of Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics in July. This will mark his first time playing in the Olympic games since 2012. Reach out to me with your thoughts on LeBron James' future.

This weekend the NBA will take over Indianapolis for All-Star weekend. On Saturday night, the Slam Dunk contest will serve as the grand finale of the day two events at Lucas Oil Stadium. That got us thinking about NBA stars we'd love to see in Slam Dunk contest.

Before we crack into the list, let's take a look at the modern landscape of the NBA dunk contest. The biggest complaint about the event is that the biggest names in basketball rarely participate. Why is that? Well, last year at this time, Front Office Sports dove into this exact subject. "The last time a player from that season’s All-Star Game actually participated in the Dunk Contest was in 2017, when the Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan competed," they said.

Front Office Sports went on to list a lack of creative options, scoring, and top players not participating in the dunk contest as reasons why the competition had declined. "I think they’re maybe afraid to lose,” NBA Hall of Famer, and slam dunk legend, Dominique Wilkins said via Front Office Sports. Of course, potential injury could also be considered.

Though there has been a lack of star power in the Slam Dunk contest, there have been a few shining moments as of late. Last season, there was much confusion as to why the NBA was allowing a G League (minor league) player to participate in Mac McClung. Now with the Orlando Magic franchise, McClung was called up by his then-team, the 76ers, a few days before the contest. He would go on to win and thrilling fashion. Furthermore, McClung is just six-foot-two.

The NBA Slam Dunk contest will often be associated with the likes of Wilkins and Michael Jordan. In the late '80s, these legends made our jaws drop dunking the ball during all-star weekend. Sure, we have had Vince Carter and the late great Kobe Bryant go in it and win it. However, you can't help but think about what might have been, if these stars had won. Some of them came close, while others opted out.

Nonetheless, we do have some surprising and well-received news when it comes to the 2024 contest. Jaylen Brown, one of the biggest stars in the game, is participating. He will compete against last year's winner in McClung. In addition, Jacob Toppin from the Knicks and Jamie Jaquez. Jr of the Heat are in. Perhaps with Brown participating, we will begin to see the trend of more all-stars opting into this fan-favorite event in the future.

Here are five players we'd love to see do their thing in the NBA Slam Dunk contest.

Now in his fourth season, you can't help but feel like we've been Zion-deprived. Injuries doomed Williamson's first three years. In fact, he's only played in 114 games. However, as we've seen so far this year, Williamson is explosive. An electrifying dunk contest performance can allow us to quickly forget about the start of his NBA career.

Speaking of high-flying ballers, Morant has a burst to his game that not many others (if any) have. Similar to Zion Williamson, the past year or two has been marred by outside distractions that have taken away from Morant's game. Here's to hoping his hoop game is back in focus. He can show us that been taking the next dunk contest by storm.

Edwards has quickly established himself as one of the best young players in the game. He's taking the Minnesota Timberwolves to levels that they have not been to since Kevin Garnett was in the building. It would be a great statement to enter the dunk contest at this stage of his career. To some degree, it would be similar timing to when Jordan and Wilkinson participated and won.

Now, this might be a stretch only because Brunson is probably more suited for the three-point or skills contest. The Knicks guard is now an all-star and one of the most dynamic players in the game this season. In addition, he's loved by the fans and the roaring support from the crowd always makes the dunk contest that much more of an entertaining experience. Finally, the Knicks could really use the spotlight.

King James may arguably be past the prime of his career when this opportunity would make sense. For years, fans wanted him in, and although it came close, James never jumped in. He certainly doesn't need to do it. It just feels like the one thing he has not accomplished in the league. Kobe Bryant competed in the dunk contest in 1997. And he won.