The Los Angeles Lakers’ season came to an end after they were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, which immediately put the spotlight on LeBron James as he decides whether or not to extend his playing career.
James was noncommittal after the Lakers’ Game 4 loss to the Thunder, saying he would need to spend some time with his family before making a decision on his future.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks, who was in attendance at Crypto.com Arena for potentially the final game of James’ career, believes the future Hall of Famer will return for a 24th NBA season and actually shared some praise for his rival, via Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports:
“I don’t think it’s his last year,” Suns forward Dillon Brooks, who was in attendance, told Yahoo Sports. “I think he got one more in him. I watched him when I was in the NBA, when I was a kid in high school. He’s got a phenomenal career and battled everybody and done it at a high level throughout. It’s been amazing to watch overall, a pleasure to battle against him.”
James is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, so if he decides to play another season, the question will then become which team the 41-year-old wants to play for.
A return to the Lakers is not out of the question as the team started to click down the stretch with James taking on a third-option role before Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missed time due to injury.
However, there has also been speculation that James may prefer ending his career with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. The Akron, Ohio, native of course began his career with the franchise and led them to their only NBA championship in 2016.
The Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers have also been mentioned as possibilities for James, though they are considered far less likely options.
If James keeps playing though, there will surely be more battles with Brooks.
LeBron James & Lakers reportedly have mutual interest in new contract
A recent report suggested that James and the Lakers have mutual interest in working out a new contract, but there are many factors that will determine whether one comes to fruition.
With Reaves in line for a major raise, along with Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard set to become free agents, the Lakers might ask James to take a pay cut in order to help them build out the rest of their roster.
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