After carrying the title of the oldest player in history with 20 points and 20 rebounds in the playoffs, the superstar LeBron James hinted at his future as a player. Following the elimination of the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, which drained many bettors to the betting platform with the highest odds, The King said he was thinking about a possible retirement. The least we can say is that this statement agitates the world of basketball that is preparing for the departure of a legend.
A defeat hard to digest
The Lakers started this decisive game in the best way possible, by taking the lead in the wake of LeBron James (40 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists). Having gone up to +15 in favor of the locals, they proved their control. However, this gap melted like snow in the sun in the second half. Well helped by its opponents, Denver did not ask for so much and, under the impulse of the inevitable Nikola Jokic (30 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, 3 counters) and Jamal Murray (25 points), the Colorado franchise did not tremble to finish LA in the “money time” (113-111).
LeBron James is reportedly considering retiring from the NBA following this defeat that exited the Lakers of Los Angeles from this year’s playoffs. James has been contemplating retirement for some time and was especially disappointed by how early the Lakers were eliminated from contention. He had hoped that he could lead them to a championship in his first season with the franchise since joining last summer. The four-time MVP is said to be wondering if it’s time for him to retire from the scene forever after an incredible 16-year career. It remains unclear what LeBron plans on doing next but it appears as though retirement may soon be on the cards if things don’t change drastically over the off-season. Things may improve because despite his age, James remains very efficient.
The secrets of LeBron James' physical longevity
At 38 years old, the “King” continues to shine with the Lakers and he shows very few signs of physical decline. Going back a few years, many observers had trouble imagining LeBron James beating Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s sacrosanct scoring record, for the simple reason that, given his style of play and the “logic” of nature, he would eventually show signs of physical wear and tear.
However, it is now 2023 and, at 38 years old, the “King” has done the unthinkable by unseating “KAJ” from his throne, without declining too much physically. Of course, since he arrived at the Lakers, he has missed more games than usual, due to various injuries or rests. But the four-time MVP remains a model of athletic, physical, and also mental regularity, who missed an average of only five games per year between 2003 and 2018.
This season, The King is the third oldest in the league. However, he has been able to turn in nearly 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists on average for the past two years, while approaching 37 minutes per game. In other words, never seen in history, at this age and after so many years of service! Such longevity is the result of the seriousness, professionalism, and willingness of LeBron James to take care of his body because not everyone is capable of it over two decades!
It may not be the end of the end yet
“LBJ” has two years left on his contract with the Lakers, the last of which is an option. However, he has always claimed his desire to remain a basketball player until at least 40 years, to play with or against his eldest son Bronny. The latter, who will begin his first college season at the University of Southern California (USC), will be of legal age to be eventually drafted into the NBA in the 2024-2025 campaign. Whether it is with the old or the new generation, the James family certainly reserves great opportunities for those who register for an account at the best betting platform.
