Report: Lebron Considering Retirement

[jpotter33]

https://twitter.com/chrisbhaynes/status/1660875267332788224?s=46&t=lGU0TGXtwjkuVuoin6WTNw

Per Haynes, Lebron is seriously considering retirement. A few thoughts:

1) Could be a ploy to put pressure on management to improve the roster for next year; OR

2) After getting the scoring title, Lebron may feel secure in his legacy now, even short of MJ’s title count. If he views two or even one more title as improbable, he may view it as not worth it, especially if his foot needs surgery and is as bad as people have been reporting.

There’s also the issue about wanting to play with Bronny. However, I could see Lebron now rethinking this idea and feel like it’s taking attention away from Bronny unnecessarily, especially with him rising on the draft boards. He seems like a good dad that wants the best for his kids, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s a factor in this, too.

[scaryjerry]

If he retires I’m blaming Joe Mazzula.

In all seriousness there’s literally 0% chance this guy retires…he wants the attention that comes with saying that and people to talk about his legacy.
If he were to retire? Good riddance.

[Moranis]

His post-game press conference last night, struck me as an old guy with an injured ankle that just gave it his all for 48 minutes and his team wasn't good enough.  After he rests and heals, I think there is almost a 0% chance he retires.  I do think he may have a 50 game plan next year and he does have to believe the team will be good enough when he isn't playing to stay afloat and when he is, he has to feel like he can win.  So he is exerting some pressure in the Lakers to get better.

[BringToughnessBack]

Like Brady's first retirement. This man will not retire. That you can bet on and if he says he is, he will change his mind. Keep the spotlight on me Lebron after my team just got destroyed in the conference finals is alive and well in the NBA.

[SparzWizard]

Ok bye LeBron you will not be missed

[W8ting2McHale]

I can easily see him retiring in order to heal up and then announce he’s making a comeback after Bronny gets drafted.

1. Fully restored LeBron.
2. Bronny gets drafted on his own merits, not by a team anticipating getting LeBron.
3. Bronny getting drafted per his actual ability probably means he’s a lower pick. A mid-20s pick probably means that team is playoff caliber and possibly a contender.
4. LeBron can make his comeback after saying he never gave up on his dream of playing basketball with his son.
5. LeBron can sign a minimum contract and not strap a team’s budget.
6. LeBron and Bronny can ride coattails to the playoffs instead of struggling for a spot on a mediocre team.
7. LeBron creates a feel good story for himself and the team.
8. Everyone cheers “Yeah LeBron!” instead of “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

[Atzar]

His post-game press conference last night, struck me as an old guy with an injured ankle that just gave it his all for 48 minutes and his team wasn't good enough.  After he rests and heals, I think there is almost a 0% chance he retires.  I do think he may have a 50 game plan next year and he does have to believe the team will be good enough when he isn't playing to stay afloat and when he is, he has to feel like he can win.  So he is exerting some pressure in the Lakers to get better.

Tend to agree with this.  He dumped everything he had left into that game and came up short.  Have to imagine the guy doesn't want to think about basketball for a couple of months. 

He'll be back though.

[86MaxwellSmart]

Head Coach LeBron for The C's next year. 

[celticsclay]

I ultimately think he probably won’t also, but for those saying this is a ploy to get the team to improve how do they actually do that? They want to bring back Rui and reaves (and I believe Lebron does want that too) and both will get a nice after after the playoff run they can let dlo walk but they can’t come close to affording irving even if then do that. So you are talking trying to get a bunch of vet min guys. How does that improve off of this current team? The only plausible move would be trading AD but not sure who they get that makes them better next year.

[RJ87]

There’s also the issue about wanting to play with Bronny. However, I could see Lebron now rethinking this idea and feel like it’s taking attention away from Bronny unnecessarily, especially with him rising on the draft boards. He seems like a good dad that wants the best for his kids, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s a factor in this, too.

He's been walking back the playing with Bronny talk, too. After Bronny announced he was going to USC, Lebron said playing with him was his goal, but might not be Bronny's and he just wants him to do what's best for him.

[Surferdad]

Does he want to win a chip with a fourth team? That could be an untouchable record for a long time.

[celticsclay]

Does he want to win a chip with a fourth team? That could be an untouchable record for a long time.

I don’t think really matter if he wins a chip as a third or 4th best player at this point. I can see why he would retire

[Roy H.]

If he retires, he'll come back.  It will probably be an excuse to take half the regular season off.

[BudweiserCeltic]

I don't believe a word that comes out of LeBron "I don't know how to flop" James' mouth until it happens.

[Celtics2021]

If he retires, he'll come back.  It will probably be an excuse to take half the regular season off.

I think the entire season, so he can feel fresher for one last run with Bronny.