Lakers’ LeBron James Taking Retirement Decision “Year-by-Year,” Say Analyst

LeBron James is entering his 23rd year in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar recently opted into his $52.6 million player option. 

James, 40, showed no signs of slowing down last season. In 70 regular-season games, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. He shot 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from deep.

However, despite such high-level offensive production, James’ eventual retirement remains a discussion point amongst both fans and media alike. In a recent episode of “The Hoop Collective” podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted how it would appear James is taking the retirement decision a year at a time.

“Based on my conversations, I honestly think they don’t know,” Windhorst said. “As far as I know, he’s honestly going year to year.”

James is still an elite player in the NBA. He is entering his first full season as the Lakers’ second option behind Luka Doncic. If he has another strong year, it’s hard to envision him walking away from the league. Nevertheless, James’ career is certainly in the final stages, and sooner or later, a decision to step away must be made.

Carmelo Anthony Jokingly Tells James to Retire

In a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Anthony jokingly suggested that James should consider retirement after the upcoming season.

“He’s still going, it’s unbelievable, man,” Anthony said. “That’s my brother. We talk about being around, being together, being tied, being connected, being talked about since we were 17, 18 years old. And for me to be entering the Hall of Fame, and for him, hopefully, to get his ass up out of there and come on over this side (smiles). Enough is enough. Give it a break.”

James and Anthony both entered the NBA in 2003. They both played for the Lakers together during the 2021-22 season. Unfortunately for Anthony, he and James were unable to win a championship that season, meaning the former Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks superstar ended his career without a championship.

Paul Pierce Expects Lakers’ LeBron James to Retire

Former Boston Celtics champion Paul Pierce believes this could be James’s last year in the NBA.

“If I’m a betting man, I think this will be his last season,” Pierce said. “You know, I think he’s played 21, 22 years. He’s been the GOAT for so long. He’s maintained the stats. We appreciate what he brought to the game and how he’s held the mantle since (Michael) Jordan left. Bron is one of them ones. We appreciate him. But I think his time is up. But we appreciate what he’s done for the league.”

James has achieved everything there is to achieve in the NBA. He also reached his personal goal of sharing the court with his son, Bronny James, last season. However, the draw of contending for a fifth NBA championship is likely keeping James in the league. After all, another championship, especially this late in his career, would further enrich his legacy as an all-time great.

With Doncic on the Lakers, James has a strong chance of reaching that final goal. Whether that happens this season will remain to be seen.

Warriors Predicted to Miss Out on Former MVP

The Golden State Warriors have been circling names all summer. Al Horford. Jonathan Kuminga trade chatter. Mid-level exception gymnastics. What they haven’t done is make a splash.

Now, at least one analyst doesn’t see Russell Westbrook, a former MVP who could have provided second-unit punch, making his way to Golden State.

Warriors Stay Quiet While Westbrook Linked to Rival

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty ImagesThe Golden State Warriors are unlikely to target Russell Westbrook.

In his predictions for the top 10 remaining free agents, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus projected Westbrook to land with the Sacramento Kings on a two-year minimum deal with a player option.

“The Sacramento Kings stand out as his obvious next home, as they need a point guard to back up Dennis Schröder,” Pincus wrote.

That would mean Westbrook ends up in Northern California — just not with the Warriors. Golden State never seemed aggressive in pursuing him, but the fit was there. He’s embraced bench roles in recent years. He still brings energy and rim pressure. And he would’ve been available at a number the Warriors could manage.

Warriors’ Options Keep Shrinking

The Warriors have been extremely quiet this offseason. Other contenders have reloaded, while Golden State waits on clarity around Kuminga’s future and Horford’s decision. The Horford deal is still expected to get done, but until then, the Warriors’ cap sheet remains murky.

Westbrook, meanwhile, just wrapped up a season with the Denver Nuggets where he averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists in 28 minutes per game. He started 36 of his 75 appearances, shot 45 percent from the field, and hit 32 percent of his threes on nearly four attempts a night.

He wasn’t peak MVP Russ. But he was still a difference-maker — especially when asked to push the pace and energize second units. For a Warriors team that lacked downhill guards behind Stephen Curry, Westbrook’s burst could’ve been useful.

What It Means for Golden State

If Pincus is right and the former MVP does land in Sacramento, the Warriors won’t just miss out on a useful veteran. They’ll have to watch a divisional rival get stronger in the exact role Golden State needed help in.

It’s another reminder that the Warriors are playing the waiting game this summer. They need resolution on Horford. They need clarity on Kuminga. And above all, they need a move that signals they’re serious about climbing back into contention.

Still, it seems more likely Golden State’s front office is focused on other available free agents they’ve been more heavily linked to — names like De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Seth Curry, or Malcolm Brogdon. Those are the kinds of players who fit their cap situation, their rotation needs, and their push to give Curry more reliable help.

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