LeBron James addresses uncertain Lakers future, retirement plans at NBA All-Star Game
LeBron James has two things on his mind: His Los Angeles Lakers tenure and future retirement.
The 39-year-old future Hall of Famer, who is playing in and starting his 20th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, didn’t see his Lakers make any dramatic trade deadline upgrades despite seemingly wanting them with his hourglass emoji tweet, which has since been debunked publicly.
The Lakers did add former Nets standout Spencer Dinwiddie after the guard cleared waivers following the trade deadline, though.
James could opt out of his contract this summer, where he’d make $51.4 million next season.
With 26 games left, he has helped lead the Lakers to a 30-26 record, though they’re only ninth in the Western Conference and would be in the Play-In Tournament.
James added that, prior to his eventual retirement, he’s undecided on if he’ll take a last dance approach, announcing it prior to the season like Hall of Fame peers Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade, or whether he’ll “Tim Duncan it” and walk away quietly after the season..
“I am a Laker. I’ve been happy being a Laker the last six years, and hope it stays that way,” said James when asked of what team he’ll be playing for, later adding, “I don’t have any answers on how long it is, or what uniform, but I hope it’s with the Lakers.”
James, in his 21st NBA season, is averaging 24.8 points, 7.8 assists and 7.2 rebounds per contest while shooting 52 percent from the field, 39.5 percent from 3-point range and 74.1 percent on free throws.
