LeBron James has proven that he can play longer he if wants to, but he remains non-committal about his playing future. For now, James seems content playing for the Los Angeles Lakers even if it means playing third fiddle to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
James can still affect winning at the highest levels, so Los Angeles should welcome back with open arms if he decides to stay with the storied franchise. However, Lakers governor Jeanie Buss openly admitted that the decision solely lays with the 41-year-old.
“Well, I’ve always said I want to see him retire as a Laker. But he’s going to be a free agent,” Buss said in an interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, via HoopsHype. “It’s really his decision to make. He is a valuable player in this league, even in his 23rd season. It’s incredible what he’s done. But, you know, the decision’s going to be his, he’s a free agent, and I’m sure he’s going to look at all his opportunities. Or not. Maybe he just wants to go out quietly.
“I mean, certainly I think one of the biggest gifts that Kobe gave us was that he told us in November of his last season that it was going to be his last season. So we got a chance to celebrate him. And every city he went to, I think he was even blown away at the fans in Sacramento, the fans in Boston, really showing so much love to him. And I think that LeBron would probably experience the same thing. But I think it’s really up to the individual what they are comfortable with. And so, you know, LeBron has all the cards.”
There have been reports that James and Buss have a strained relationship, with one report even going as far to say that Buss tried to trade James in 2022. While both parties denied any rumors of their relationship being damaged, the sentiment still remains that Buss may not be completely on board with him returning.
Even as the Lakers have the playoffs to focus on, it appears James and Buss’ relationship will be a subject of conversation until at least the summer.
Jeanie Buss releases statement addressing reports of fractured relationship with LeBron James
Once the reports came out of Buss apparently turning on James, she issued a statement denouncing those claims. Buss apologizes for James being dragged into her family at the time and says they do appreciate his contributions to the franchise.
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