LeBron James hints at Lakers exit after playoff defeat to the Nuggets (2024)

  • The Lakers were dumped out of the NBA playoffs by the Nuggets on Monday
  • LeBron threw his LA future into doubt with a coy response after the defeat
  • READ MORE: LeBron and the Lakers crash OUT of the playoffs after 108-106 loss

By Oliver Salt

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LeBron James has thrown his Lakers future into doubt after refusing to confirm if he's played his last game for LA after their NBA playoff defeat to the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers were beaten 108-106 in the dying seconds by the Nuggets on Monday night, which condemned them to a 4-1 series loss and ended their playoff hopes for another year.

After his 30-point return failed to get LA over the line, LeBron chose not to answer a question about his future with the team, suggesting he has some thinking to do over the summer.


When asked if there was any thought about Monday's game being his last with the Lakers, the 39-year-old paused before saying: 'Umm, I'm not gonna answer that.'

LeBron may have the chance to play with his son, Bronny, if he continues his career next season after the 19-year-old recently declared he is entering the NBA Draft and the transfer portal.

“I’m not gonna answer that.”

LeBron’s not ready to speak on if this was his last game as a Laker

(via @BenGolliver) pic.twitter.com/UaSHT5QENe

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 30, 2024

LeBron was unable to keep the Lakers' playoff hopes alive as they slumped to defeat against the Denver Nuggets

Jamal Murray fired home the game-winning shot for Denver in the final four seconds

However, after four straight playoff disappointments in LA, the all-time basketball great could look to revive his chances at a fifth NBA Championship ring with another franchise next term.

'I just wanna get home to the family, honestly, and start looking at the schedule,' James said when asked if he's thought about what comes next.

'Obviously I've got one of my boys trying to decide if he's gonna enter the draft or go back to school, I've got another kid that's playing UBall right now, my daughter's playing volleyball and my wife is doing so many great things.

'So it's about family right now and then in a couple of months I've gotta go to Vegas for training camp.'

LeBron has spent the last six seasons with the Lakers, winning the NBA Championship in 2020.

Prior to his stint in LA, the legendary forward rose to fame with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, winning two rings with the latter and one with the former.

Knowing a win was required to keep their playoff hopes alive in Denver, LeBron put up 30 points as he desperately tried to pull the Lakers through while trailing 3-1 in the first-round series.

Yet in the end his efforts were not enough, as Jamal Murray's 32-point return - which included a crucial two-pointer right at the death - was enough to win Game 5 for the defending-champion Nuggets and book their place in the Conference Semifinals.

LeBron chose not to answer a question about his Lakers future after Monday night's loss

His son, Bronny, is entering the NBA Draft and the transfer portal ahead of the 2024-25 season

LA head coach Darvin Ham, who has drawn heavy criticism in the 2024 campaign, also hinted that his time in charge of the team could be up after their first-round exit.

'It’s been a hell of a two years sitting in this seat, I’ll tell you that,' Ham said after the game. 'It’s been a hell of a two years.'

Murray scored his 32 points despite a strained calf, with his game-winner coming in the final 3.6 seconds.

James' two free throws tied it at 106 with 26 seconds left and the Nuggets, just as they did in Game 2, eschewed the timeout and Murray took the ball on a high screen and roll to his left, shaking Austin Reaves and he crossed through the lane and swished the 14-footer.

It was Murray's buzzer beater that won Game 2. 'This one was a little better,' he said as confetti swirled around him and his celebrating teammates.

Lebron JamesDenver NuggetsNBALA Lakers

LeBron James hints at Lakers exit after playoff defeat to the Nuggets (2024)

FAQs

What did LeBron James say after his loss? ›

"Of course it's a heartbreaking game. You don't ever want to lose in that fashion," LeBron James told reporters after the game. "I don't understand what's going on in the replay center to be honest. I think I said it this year or last year or whatever.

How many times has LeBron been eliminated from the playoffs? ›

During his 21-year professional career LeBron James has only suffered two first round eliminations. The only other one came in 2020/21 when the Lakers lost in six against the Phoenix Suns, losing their crown as NBA champions.

Is LeBron James retiring in 2024? ›

James has a $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, which he could turn down to become a free agent. While Paul is confident James will come back for another season, he understands the end of his playing career is not far away, which the two have discussed.

How much did LeBron James average against the Nuggets? ›

LeBron James has averaged 26.2 points, 8.1 assists and 7.4 rebounds in 43 games against the Nuggets in his career.

What is LeBron's most famous quote? ›

You can't be afraid to fail. It's the only way you succeed - you're not gonna succeed all the time, and I know that. You have to be able to accept failure to get better.

Is LeBron James upset with Anthony Davis? ›

LeBron's body language shows frustration with Anthony Davis

Cameras caught LeBron James' reaction to the low-effort play from AD, who is 4 inches taller and 32 pounds heavier than Braun.

Will Heat retire LeBron's number? ›

It is not officially retired because James is still an active player. However, when James does retire from the NBA, the Heat are still expected to retire his number, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

What was LeBron's last year with the Heat? ›

2013–2014: Final season in Miami

Throughout the year, he was one of the few staples for a Heat roster that used 20 different starting lineups due to injuries, finishing with averages of 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on 56.7 percent shooting.

What team has LeBron James played the most? ›

Career History
  • Los Angeles Lakers2018-CURRENT (6 Seasons)
  • Cleveland Cavaliers2003-2010, 2014-2018 (11 Seasons)
  • Miami Heat2010-2014 (4 Seasons)

How much steals does LeBron have in his career? ›

LeBron James has stolen the ball 2,275 times in his career.

How much did LeBron average at 20? ›

lebron stats 20 years old
NAMEGPPPG
LeBron James7829.3

What did the spectators say to LeBron? ›

Fans nearby reported that she said “I hope Bronny gets into a car accident tomorrow and dies,” over and over. If true, that's unbelievable. It's one thing to talk smack to a player, but family, race and other personal details should be off-limits, especially making threats on someone's life.

How does LeBron James recover after a game? ›

LeBron drinks both water and a carbohydrate-rich recovery fluid to help him both re-hydrate and replenish his glycogen stores. According to the National Athletic Trainers Association, including carbohydrates in your rehydration fluid can improve absorption of water and sodium and help replenish glycogen stores.

Who is LeBron James' real wife? ›

LeBron James' Wife Savannah

The pair have been inseparable ever since. We always love a story of two high school sweethearts standing the test of time — and Savannah has never wavered in her support for her husband.

Did the Lakers lose Game 2 to the Nuggets? ›

The Los Angeles Lakers lost again in brutal fashion, 101-99, to the Denver Nuggets on Monday, as Jamal Murray's buzzer-beater put them in a 2-0 hole in their first-round series.

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