LeBron James exploding for a 40-point near triple-double wasn’t enough for the Lakers to prevent from getting swept. Despite putting up a historic outing, the 38-year-old’s performance was eclipsed by the brilliance of Nikola Jokic. Following the 111-113 Game 4 loss, James had a pretty cryptic ending to his press conference, hinting about considering retirement. While fans of the King are worried, NBA Twitter speculates that the future Hall-Of-Famer will eventually come out of retirement to share the hardwood with his elder son, Bronny James, leading these comments to be beyond questionable.
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As reported by Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the 6-foot-9 superstar revealed that he had “a lot to think about”. Having averaged 27.8 in the WCF, Bron said:
“I got a lot to think about. … Just personally, with me moving forward with the game of basketball, I got a lot to think about.”
LeBron James with a cryptic ending to his press conference: “I got a lot to think about. … Just personally, with me moving forward with the game of basketball, I got a lot to think about.”
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) May 23, 2023
This comment certainly comes as a shock to many. Yes, the 4-time MVP is a 38-year-old. However, even in his old age, he has been playing better than most of his competition and dominated the best defenders in the league.
Further, ever since Bronny’s finals years in high school, James has repeatedly disclosed his desire of wanting to play with his eldest son.
NBA Twitter believes LeBron James would come out of retirement to play with his eldest son
As soon as the 19-time All-Star’s retirement comments went viral on social media, NBA Twitter had varied reactions.
There were a couple of users who believed that the NBA’s all-time leading scorer could actually take the upcoming season off, rejuvenate until Bronny gets done with his lone year at USC, and sign with the team that drafts his son.
1) retire for a year
2) watch Bronny at USC
3) recharge the body
4) come back in 2024
5) sign with whatever team drafts Bronnynot a bad strategy at all, to be honest. and he wouldnt end his career getting swept. LeBron is not going to end his career getting swept, right? right? https://t.co/zJ2L7NSD5T
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 23, 2023
LeBron James gonna come out of retirement to play with Bronny
— tragicpatek (@tragicpatek) May 23, 2023
Other users predict that his comments are merely a scare tactic in order to push the LAL front office to acquire Kyrie Irving in the offseason.
I’d bet on LeBron’s comments in part being a negotiation tactic: I’ll retire unless you go all-in next season. And the player James probably wants the Lakers to acquire is Kyrie Irving. https://t.co/AaLKDRFfnd
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 23, 2023
LeBron just started the plan to get Kyrie… pic.twitter.com/wPbbIHy0aA
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) May 23, 2023
Can LeBron share the locker room with both of his sons?
With 18-year-old Bronny being eligible for the draft in 2024, it is possible for LBJ to suit up in the same uniform as his son.
Apart from Bronny, Bron has even expressed his wishes of playing alongside his younger son Bryce Maximus.
While there is a good possibility that the 4-time champ goes on to become the first player to share the court with his son, the latter part of his plans seems rather unlikely.
A 15-year-old currently, Bryce will only be eligible to be drafted 4 years from now. Sure, it’s one heck of a dream to share the locker room with both of his sons. However, given his recent injuries and aging body, a 43-year-old Bron might not be in the league when his younger one steps foot in the NBA.
