-
Dave McMenamin, ESPN Staff Writer
DENVER — LeBron James is undecided about his NBA future after the Los Angeles Lakers lost 108-106 in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Told.
The 39-year-old James, who finished his 21st season with 30 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds and four steals despite a season-ending loss to the Nuggets in Los Angeles, said his immediate focus is on his family and after that. He said he will now focus on training camp. Ahead of this summer's Paris Olympics, he's gearing up for the U.S. basketball world.
When asked how he would approach the decision in his 22nd year, James said: “Honestly, I don't have an answer. I haven't really thought about it.”
Ultimately, he plans to sit down with his agent, Rich Paul, and his family and evaluate “what's best for my career,” he said.
“We're going to go above and beyond when we need to,” he added.
Asked if he thought Monday could be his last game with the Lakers, James said, “I'm not going to answer that.”
James has until June 29 to choose the final year of his contract with the Lakers for $51.4 million or become an unrestricted free agent.
The biggest question mark for LA next season, even more than James, is coach Darvin Ham's position. Sources told ESPN that Hamm's job is in great jeopardy following the first-round loss, and the organization plans to make a decision on his coaching future in the coming days.
Ham was asked to reflect on his two seasons on the Lakers' sideline.
“That's a great question because I'm confused right now, but maybe one day I'll get an answer,” Hamm said. “But let me tell you, the last two years have been hell. As I sit here, I can tell you, the last two years have been hell. A lot of good things have been accomplished, but at the end of the day, I want to win. I've felt that way several times.
“So, you want to do everything in your power to not disturb and not continue to feel this feeling that we're feeling right now, the sense of defeat. So, again, I want to control what I can control and grow. I want to keep going and hopefully get better.'' Coach for that. ”
Anthony Davis, who has a contract with the Lakers through 2027-28, scored 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting and grabbed 15 rebounds in Game 5. He played through a needle injury in his left shoulder that caused paralysis in his left arm. Davis told ESPN that he was able to finish the game, although he was dangling from his socket.
He said he will give James space on his decision and will check in with the four-time champion when the time is right.
“He's been in this position many times in his career and ultimately had to make a decision for himself and his family,” Davis said of James, who will be making the Olympic team. “Whatever he decides to do, I'm going to be right there to support him. … It's still fresh. I mean, I'm sure it's not even in his head right now. But he… Please let me know what's going on before he makes the situation public.
“Obviously, it's been a great five seasons with him. If he decides to come back, we obviously don't want to lose in the first round and be left like that. If we do, obviously our goal is to come back and come back, be a championship contender, stay healthy and give Lakers Nation what they deserve.
“But he has a decision to make and when the time comes, he will let me and you all know.”
Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell also has an $18.7 million player option for next season.
After scoring 14 points on 6-of-15 shooting (2-of-10 from 3) and dishing out six assists on Monday, he hasn't decided on any future plans yet, but is looking forward to the season in terms of personal accomplishments. I looked back nostalgically.
“It's been a year of hell for D'Angelo,” Russell said in the third person. “I say that humbly. We've had our ups and downs, whatever you want to call them, but it's never bothered me. I've always stayed sane. When I look at my phone, , my family, friends, and circle have been texting me,'' and telling me how proud they are of me. So for me that's all I need. Nothing else is needed. ”
Lakers guard Austin Reeves supports Los Angeles bringing back James and Russell, saying it would be a “pleasure” to play with everyone on the team this season.
“If there's anything I can do to make that possible, I'm going to do it,” Reeves said. “Because I believe in what we have, and I believe that if we get better in the summer and then come preseason, we can make some noise.”
