Dennis Schroder can’t see it in Los Angeles.

“[He’s] still got the juice,” remarked Schroder.

D’Angelo Russell does not agree.

He still has a lot of gas in the tank, Russell remarked.

At the very least, he could understand it, joked Darvin Ham.

After such a defeat, Ham claimed, “I think I was ready to retire.”

Sorry, Denver, but the revelation that LeBron James, (probably) the best player in NBA history, was considering retirement was the biggest story to come out of the Nuggets’ series-clinching Game 4 victory. James acknowledged to ESPN that he will think about retiring after dropping a few not-so-subtle hints at the postgame press conference (“I’ve got a lot to think about,” James said).

James’ retirement would be perplexing yet comprehensible at the same time. James isn’t the same player he was ten years ago, when he was winning MVP awards and dominating opponents in the playoffs. But even at age 38, he still rules. His postseason stats (24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists) were exceptional. James put up 40 points in 48 minutes in Game 4. He pursued Jamal Murray down the stretch and took consecutive Nikola Jokic charges.

“Staggering,” remarked Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka.

also draining. The most demanding season in James’ 20-year career has been this one. The Lakers’ season got off to a 0–5 start. Then 2–10. The Russell Westbrook experiment persisted in failing, and the relentless focus on it drained the locker room of all liveliness. James lost a month of the season due to a serious foot ailment. In the postseason, he played 39 minutes per game on average. For Denver, it increased to 43.

For myself and our baseball team, it was a very difficult season, James remarked. “And course, we are aware of whatever occurred at the beginning or in any other situation. It was a fun ride, really cool.

But has it ended? Ham and Pelinka were diplomatic on Tuesday.

LeBron has earned the right to choose whatever path he takes, according to Ham.

LeBron has contributed as much to basketball as any player in history, said Pelinka. By doing that, you gain the ability to choose whether or not to give more.

And there’s more. Much more. James’s internal fire is still raging. the level of rivalry. This is a fact. He stated that. James informed Schroder last December that he intended to continue playing until he was 45 years old. After setting the scoring mark for the NBA in February, James declared that he “for sure” could continue playing for a few more years. James has often stated that he plans to play with Bronny for one season. Bronny will play for USC in the upcoming season and become eligible for the draft in 2024.

James stated, “I love to play the game. “I enjoy competing. I enjoy being on the field for my teammates, men, or anyone I have that particular year.

Leverage might be another explanation for James’ apparent retirement. James’ Lakers deal has one year left on it. He probably wants L.A. to make every effort to make the most of it. James will ignore draft picks and young players in favor of a successful squad. James may use the prospect of retirement to pressure them into action.

Around James, the Lakers seek to create a winning team. But never at any price. After James departs, basketball will still be played in Los Angeles. Whether they like it or not, the Lakers must be ready for it. Before the trade deadline in the previous season, Los Angeles had already paid for a first-round pick. It’s possible that they are no longer in the mood to share.

It can create a dilemma. Pelinka made it plain on Tuesday that the team wants to develop around its young players. We intend to keep our core group of young lads together, Pelinka declared emphatically. He referred to it as a “high priority.” That entails new contracts for upcoming free agents Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Russell. That implies that the majority of any cap space will be used up.

According to Pelinka, “We feel like we have special players in the locker room who enjoy playing with each other.” “We know that group has room for more development and improvement, especially if we organize a training camp together.”

But what if James has different preferences? What if James wants an upgrade because he is sick of Russell’s inconsistent shooting selection? On Monday, Kyrie Irving was seated courtside. James and Irving have been together for a long time. James is certain that Irving can help him win a title. The Lakers would have to restructure their roster if they signed Irving. There would be no Russell. Hachimura as well. Reaves might increase in price. Additionally, L.A. would have to commit to the erratic Irving, who isn’t signing for a deal shorter than three years.

James retiring seems like a stretch. He is too talented, competitive, and unwavering in his conviction that he is still one of the NBA’s top players. The break from the game for a few weeks will be energizing. James, however, is strong. The Lakers require him. Without him, everything falls apart. Pelinka will take every action necessary to bring James back if he thinks he can walk.

The Lakers’ campaign is finished. The actual games now start.