Paris 2024 approaches, yet LeBron James priorities lie with his family following LA Lakers' elimination from the playoffs.
Denver secured a 4-1 series win on Monday to kick the Purple and Gold out of the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
This marks the fourth time James has failed to progress past the first round during his six-year stint with the Lakers, losing to the Phoenix Suns in 2021 and missing the playoffs in 2019 and 2022, although LA did triumph in the abbreviated 2020 campaign.
With his season ending prematurely once again, James is eager to return home and be with his family.
"I just want to get home to my loved ones," James stated after the game. "My son Bronny is deciding whether he'll enter the draft or return to school," he continued, mentioning his 19-year-old son.
"I also have a kid playing AAU ball right now, my daughter plays volleyball, and my wife is doing amazing things. So right now, it's all about family."
Despite the dominating series scoreline, the Nuggets frequently experienced intense challenges from the Lakers. Point guard Jamal Murray earned a decisive role in the final moments of the game on multiple occasions.
James, in his 21st season in the league, accumulated an impressive 27.8 points per game, along with 6.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 2.4 steals, and a block during the course of the five games.
Though his summer break portends relaxation, it will not simply be a vacation for James. He will join Team USA in Paris for the Olympic Games, where he'll team up with stars like Kevin Durant and Steph Curry.
"I need to rest my body for USA basketball," James emphasized.
With his player option in his contract and the possibility of becoming a free agent during this offseason, James has not yet revealed his plans for the upcoming season.
"I'm not going to discuss it," he responded when questioned about his future with the team before exiting the stage.
Similarly, James avoided disclosing his thoughts on potentially playing alongside his son Bronny in the NBA and reiterated that it is not his decision to make.
"I haven't thought much about it lately," James claimed. "Obviously, I've contemplated it before, but ultimately, the young man needs to make his own choices about his career."
Bronny, who returned to the court in December after experiencing a cardiac arrest in July last year, completed his freshman year at the University of Southern California and declared for the 2024 NBA Draft in April while maintaining his college eligibility.
Though it's uncertain whether the league's all-time scoring leader will suit up for the Purple and Gold again in October or if he will have the opportunity to share the court with his son, James is indicative of returning for his record-tying 22nd season in the league.
Read also:
Source: edition.cnn.com
