LeBron James' emotional game in Cleveland sparked speculation about his potential retirement. Photo / Getty Images
The tears had barely dried on LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers uniform before the debate began anew. Is the NBA’s reigning monarch – “King James” – ready to give up his throne?
The 41-year-old superstar was overcome with emotion during the Lakers’ road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in what might well turn out to James’ final appearance in his hometown.
James buried his face in his jersey as he attempted to keep his feelings in check while the Cavaliers played a video tribute to their prodigal hero during a first quarter break.
The moment reignited speculation that one of the most glittering careers in sporting history may be nearing its end.
Spanning three decades, James’ dazzling resume includes four NBA championships, a slew of records, and a place atop the league’s all-time scoring list – a milestone many believe may never be surpassed.
For now, though, James is giving nothing away, declining to offer any hint as to when – or how – he might bring the curtain down.
“I don’t know what the future holds,” James told reporters when asked about possible retirement following the Lakers’ 129-99 drubbing by his former team.
James acknowledged, though, that while he has not made a decision about his future, Wednesday’s (local time) game could possibly have been his final appearance in Cleveland.
“I haven’t made a decision on the future but it very well could be,” James said.
Yet James, who is currently averaging an impressive 22 points per game in what is his record-breaking 23rd season in the league, balked at the idea that the closing months of the campaign may amount to a “farewell tour”.
“I have not even thought to the point of a farewell tour or whatever the case may be, because I haven’t had that conversation with myself and my family on, when is it over?” James said. “That will come after that.”
Before the current season got underway, James had declared himself energised by the prospect of playing alongside Luka Doncic, the 26-year-old Slovenian superstar the Lakers acquired last year in a blockbuster trade.
“The motivation to play alongside him every night, that’s super motivating,” James said.
Doncic’s arrival clearly signalled that the Lakers no longer see James as the central pillar of their long-term team-building.
James will be a free agent at the end of the season and if he extends his stay in Los Angeles, is likely to be asked to take a pay cut, NBA analysts believe.
Alternatively, James might seek to crown his career elsewhere – with a possible third stint in Cleveland, or even a long-rumoured partnership alongside his close friend and USA teammate Stephen Curry at the Golden State Warriors.
“LeBron has two big decisions to make when the season is over, whenever that is for the Lakers,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said. “One is, is he going to play another season? And he’s made it very clear, he doesn’t seem to know, and I believe that.
“The second thing is, if he’s going to play another season, how much money is he willing to play for? Because the Lakers almost certainly are going to ask him to take a pay cut, potentially a significant one.”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal believes there is every possibility James may choose to extend his career, at least for one more season.
“I don’t think he knows,” O’Neal said. “But I think it’s fair to say three more years from now, no. Two more years, maybe. But one more year – definitely.”
O’Neal said when James does finally decide to call time on his reign, there will be little ambiguity.
“LeBron’s very calculated at, you know, things he does,” O’Neal said.
“So the whole world will know when it’s his last year because him and his team, they probably want the farewell LeBron tour,” he explained.
O’Neal’s fellow analyst on ESPN’s Inside the NBA, Kenny Smith, said the fact that James is continuing to perform at the highest level – and is also playing with eldest son Bronny – will persuade him to extend.
“I just don’t think his retirement is imminent here,” Smith said. “Only because, you know, he’s super productive still at this stage in his career. And he’s getting an opportunity to play with his son. That’s a unique situation.
“So all of the things that point to one more year are happening. His production, his playing time, lack of injury, his son – all those things point to, ‘I’m still playing’.”
-Agence-France Presse