Click here to listen to this article on Spotify
Just days before the first postseason matchup, superstar Luka Doncic suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for weeks. On the same day, sharpshooter Austin Reaves went down with a Grade 2 oblique strain, putting his playoff availability in jeopardy as well.
Despite being down two starters, the team powered by LeBron James stepped up and rose to the occasion, eliminating the Rockets in six games. Reaves returned earlier than expected, suiting up for the final two games of the series and helping Los Angeles advance past the first round. The Lakers entered the second round with rhythm and confidence.
Exit brought questions
But the dynamics changed in the blink of an eye. Doncic’s recovery took longer than expected, and he never returned to the hardwood. Without their leading scorer, the Lakers struggled against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Even James couldn’t avert four consecutive upsets, as the Thunder swept Los Angeles with ease.
Suddenly, the season was over for the Lakers. The quick exit left fans in shock, but soon after the final buzzer went off, the reality started settling in. What is next for the franchise, but more importantly, for the NBA’s leading scorer? Immediately after the heartbreaking end, James was noncommittal about his future.
"I think you guys asked me about retirement, and I’ve answered questions. I don’t think I’ve come out and been like, 'Oh, retirement is coming'," James said.
"With my future, I don’t know, honestly. It’s, obviously, still fresh from, obviously losing the series. And I don’t know. I don’t know what the future holds for me."
Prime numbers with a different role
James just finished a record-setting 23rd NBA season. The King averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists while shooting 51.5 % from the field and 31.7 % from beyond the arc.
He has proven he still belongs, that he can still compete with the best. "I left everything I could on the floor. And obviously we fell a little short, but I'm not looking at my year as a disappointment, that’s for damn sure," said James.
Despite still producing elite numbers, it was an interesting season for the 41-year-old megastar from an individual standpoint.
In the second half of the season, James was asked to play more of a supportive role behind Reaves and Doncic, making them the first two options within the Lakers’ offense. He accepted, and it worked - the Lakers surged into a dominant regular season finish.
"I was put into some positions I never played in my career, actually, in my life," James said.
"I've never been a third option in my life. So, to be able to thrive in that role for that period of time and then have to step back into the role that I’ve been accustomed to over my career, and being able to thrive… That was pretty cool for me at this stage in my career."
And while James seemed to enjoy his role with the Lakers, he might be ready for a new challenge. He’s spent eight seasons in LA, marking the longest consecutive tenure with a franchise of his career. After joining the Lakers in 2018, he led the team to its 17th NBA championship in 2020.
Changes coming up
But ever since lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the organisation hasn’t been close to contending for another title again. In the next six seasons following the championship, the Lakers made the playoffs five times, but four times as the No. 7 seed.
This year, they earned the fourth seed, but ultimately bowed down to the Thunder. So, the key question remains - can the Los Angeles Lakers contend for the championship?
The current team wasn’t capable of it, and most likely, the roster is going to experience some shake-ups.
Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayer, and Luke Kennard played critical roles for the Lakers, but all are free agents. DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart have player options.
James is heading into the offseason without a contract or a player option and will be an unrestricted free agent, giving him the freedom to sign with any team in the league.
And while James loves Los Angeles, his focus remains on competing for championships. "I've done it all. I’ve seen it all," James said.
"Just being able to compete and trying to win championships, I think that’s a motivating factor."
Only time will tell whether he feels like he can compete for another trophy in LA or elsewhere. According to the league sources, James felt like he gave the Lakers his best, while the organisation took him for granted.
The conclusion of the season revealed a behind-the-scenes incident that put a wrinkle in James’ relationship with the franchise.
On the last day of March, the Lakers beat the Cavaliers at home. But it wasn’t just an ordinary win - the successful night moved James past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most victories by any player in NBA history. In the same game, Doncic surpassed 15,000 career points, while Hachimura topped 5,000.
After the game, Rob Pelinka - the president of basketball operations - came to the locker room. Holding the game ball in his hands, he addressed the team. After his speech was over, the ball didn’t land in the hands of James. Nor Doncic or Hachimura.
Pelinka gave it to head coach JJ Redick, who just reached his 100th coaching win. And while James had a great relationship with Redick, he reportedly viewed the moment as another example of the franchise overlooking his accomplishments.
Decision in the making
Still, James is addicted to the process, and if he can commit to giving his best, he wants to keep playing.
"I think for me, it’s about the process. If I can commit to still being in love with the process of showing up to the arena five and a half hours before a game to start preparing for a game, giving everything I got, diving for loose balls, and doing everything that you know that it takes to go out and play," said James.
"Showing up to practices, 11 o’clock practice, I’m there at eight o’clock preparing my body, preparing my mind, preparing to practice, to put the work in."
It is possible that James’ basketball journey is nearing its end, and the world may soon witness the final chapter of one of the greatest careers in sports history.
James said he plans to take time to reflect on the season and discuss the future with his family. And while his next move - and destination - remain unknown, one thing is certain: whichever decision he makes will shape the NBA landscape once again.