A Los Angeles Lakers insider claims that Lebron James’ threat of a possible retirement was made out of equal parts frustration and to put some pressure on the organization.
The Los Angeles Lakers got off to a very rough start to the 2022-2023 season. They began with a 2-10 record and seemed on track for a second straight season of missing the postseason. However, gradually over time, the team was able to define their playing style under new head coach Darvin Ham and get back to respectability.
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However, a variety of trades before the NBA trade deadline reinvigorated the roster and the team caught fire. Led by strong play from Anthony Davis and Lebron James, the Lakers became a force in the West that was built on strong defense and clutch shooting. And that kind of play is why they were able to surprise the basketball world by reaching the Western Conference Finals in May.
Unfortunately, in the WCF they ran into the buzzsaw that is the Denver Nuggets. After impressive showings against the Memphis Grizzlies and defending champion Golden State Warriors, the Lakers were soundly beaten by Denver in just four games.
A very clear message was sent from being dominated by the Nuggets. That is, they are a very good team but still a piece or two away from seriously contending for another NBA championship.
Lebron James stats (’23 playoffs): 24.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 26% 3PT
It was a frustrating end to a season that showed so much promise in the last few months. It was an especially hard pill to swallow for Lebron James, as he gutted through the playoffs with a serious foot injury at 38 years old. That is why his comments about possibly retiring weren’t completely shocking after their Game 4 defeat. However, there are reportedly several layers to why James made those comments.
On Thursday, Los Angeles Times Lakers reporter Dan Woike reported on the Los Angeles Lakers situation heading into the summer. And while everyone he has spoken to doesn’t believe for one second that Lebron James will retire, there is a general consensus on why he said what he did.
“The biggest reasons given to me for his comments after Game 4: fatigue from the season, frustration with getting swept, and a reminder to the front office that the Lakers’ title window is closing, keeping a sense of urgency in the foreground.”
– Dan Woike
Lebron James putting pressure on an organization after the season has become a tradition at this point. So, it isn’t too surprising he wants to send a message to the Los Angeles Lakers that he won’t be around much longer, and they need to maximize the time they have him as he closes in on 40.