As soon as the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated, the number one question on most people's minds was what happens next for LeBron James. For a little while, it looked like those discussions would be delayed for at least a couple more nights. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder ultimately wrestled away control of Game 4, winning a tight 115-110 ball game to secure the series.
When LeBron took to the postgame podium, it did not take long for someone to ask about his future. It would be malpractice for the reporters in the room not to do it. The answer was pretty much what anyone could have guessed it would be.
"I don't know what the future holds for me, obviously, as it stands right now tonight. I got a lot of time. I'll sit back, ... go back and recalibrate with my family and talk with them and spend some time with them. Then, when the time comes, I'll see. You guys will know what I decide to do."
James mentioned that his approach is similar to the one from last season after the series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. LeBron now leaves everyone in anticipation of what comes next for the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent.
LeBron James sounded completely undecided on his next chapter
Some already believe James has played his last game with the Lakers after the Game 4 loss. Others even believe that both sides would be vindicated for wanting to move on from each other. Before even getting to those conversations, LeBron must decided whether he still intends to play at all.
James has hooped for 23 seasons in the NBA. Should he return for the upcoming campaign, LeBron will become the first player in league history to suit up for 24 years.
Breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks is nothing new for James, though. By all stretches of the imagination, LeBron can still undeniably play at a high level, too. That, to most, makes the question of whether the Lakers star will return for another year nothing but a simple formality.
The real question then becomes where.
The Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and other will all surely be lining up for James' services — to varying degrees of interest. For many, the Lakers still remain the most obvious choice that combines winning, legacy, and off-court ventures.
However, trying to figure out how true that is, at this stage, is speculative, at best. As James openly stated, no decision has been made, and it is tough to not truly believe that message to its very core right now.
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