Los Angeles—LeBron James exited Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, visibly affected after a knee-to-knee collision left his left leg swollen. This physical toll reflected a deeper emotional weight, as the Los Angeles Lakers’ 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves marked a sorrowful end to his 22nd NBA season—a first-round playoff exit that left both fans and players stunned.
As is typical for him in moments of reflection, James had few certainties to offer about his future. When asked how much longer he plans to continue his illustrious career, the 40-year-old superstar’s response was tellingly vague. “I don’t know,” he admitted, signaling the weight of the decision ahead. His approach is rooted in careful consideration, not just for himself but alongside his family and support group. “I’ll sit down with my family, my wife, and talk through it,” he explained, emphasizing the need for introspection on how much longer he wants to play.
James carries a significant player option worth $52.6 million for the 2025-26 season, but to exercise that, he must make a decision by June 29—either opting in or hitting free agency. The uncertainty around his contract mirrors the Lakers’ broader ambiguity following their 4-1 series defeat to the Timberwolves, especially given they entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with home-court advantage.
When pressed about how the Lakers could improve for the upcoming season, James once again offered no clear roadmap. “It’s a business,” he stated. The implications of the offseason loom large, not just for the franchise but for James himself, as he admitted, “I got a lot to think about.” His focus remains on the uncertainty of both his status and the team’s future.
Yet, it’s essential to note that James’ perspective may have been influenced by fatigue, having logged 40 minutes on the court in the elimination matchup. He finished the night with a solid line—22 points, 7 boards, 6 assists, and 2 steals—even as the Lakers fought hard to overcome an early 14-point deficit and briefly regained the lead in the fourth quarter.
While contemplating his future, there’s another storyline unfolding—his son, Bronny James, is under contract with the Lakers for the next two seasons, with an option for 2027-28. After the game, Bronny expressed excitement about the years to come and what it means to play alongside his father.
Also nursing an injury was Lakers star guard Luka Doncic, who gingerly stepped off the podium after tweaking his back in an earlier collision. Despite his discomfort, Doncic delivered a strong performance, tallying 28 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. As he heads into a pivotal summer, he faces a significant contract decision as well, with a potential four-year, $229 million extension hanging in the balance. “I didn’t think about it yet,” Doncic remarked, acknowledging the need to reflect on his future.
Lakers’ first-year coach JJ Redick, who faced disappointment in his inaugural playoff series, expressed a desire to improve. “There’s always ways to get better,” he remarked, a sentiment echoed by both James and Doncic, who praised Redick’s coaching in their brief time together. Doncic appreciated the bond they’ve formed, likening it to his experiences back in Europe, while James acknowledged the challenges of navigating his rookie season as a head coach—especially for the Lakers.
Unfortunately for Los Angeles, the Timberwolves proved too formidable an opponent, pushing the Lakers out of the playoffs earlier than anyone had anticipated. Looking back on his journey since his first NBA Finals appearance in 2007, James reflected on his standards of success. “Every season that I did not make it to the Finals or did not win the championship has been a disappointment,” he said somberly. With another offseason ahead filled with uncertainty, James expressed a palpable sense of disappointment and unfulfillment. For a player of his caliber, anything less than championship contention feels like a missed opportunity.
