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Anne Erickson

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

Author Anne Erickson
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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.

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

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

Was there any thought that tonight was your last game with the Lakers?

LeBron James: “I’m not going to answer that.” pic.twitter.com/tOySUdsmbI

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 30, 2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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.

5 NBA Players We'd Love To See In the Slam Dunk Contest

  • Zion Williamson

    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.

     

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    A post shared by Zion Williamson (@zionwilliamson)

  • Ja Morant

    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.

     

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    A post shared by Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball)

  • Anthony Edwards

    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.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by adidas Basketball (@adidasbasketball)

  • Jalen Brunson

    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.

     

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    A post shared by Jalen Brunson (@jalenbrunson1)

  • LeBron James

    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.

     

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    A post shared by 👑 (@kingjames)

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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