Before the Los Angeles Lakers can even think about competing for an NBA championship next season, they have to make sure LeBron James will be a part of that run.
Just after they were swept out of the Western Conference Finals by the Denver Nuggets, James made a cryptic comment that many interpreted as him suggesting he may retire this offseason. Few think he will actually do so, but no one can really be sure, given James’ history of leaving teams every few years.
Rich Paul, James’ longtime agent, was in the Cleveland area on Friday for the launch of Klutch Athletics, his new sportswear brand. Inevitably, someone asked him if James will return to the NBA for his 21st season this fall, and Paul gave an answer without giving anything away.
Via cleveland.com:
“I have an expectation just as you do,” Paul said. “We’ll see.”
James has two years left on his Lakers contract, and the second year of that deal is a player option for the 2024-25 campaign. He has said several times he wants to play alongside his son, Bronny James, who can enter the NBA as soon as the 2024-25 season.
Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire