According to a report by the Athletic, LA Lakers superstar, LeBron James has started to consider his retirement after the team made headlines by signing Luck Doncic from Dallas Mavericks. It was a three-team deal that saw Anthony Davis go to the Mavericks and Doncic coming to the Lakers. James was with his family having dinner when the news broke out of the blockbuster move.
What did the Athletic report about LeBron James' retirement?
LeBron James is the oldest player to feature in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as he is 40 years old and is halfway through his 22nd season at the highest levels. He is tied with Vince Carter for the longest NBA career ever. According to Athletic's Fred Katz, Joe Vardon and Sam Amick, the superstar can hang up his boots from the sport within two years, putting an end to an illustrious career.
He has not said when his last season will be, but sources close to him acknowledge it could be within the next two years, the Athletic reported.
LeBron James has been linked with retirement for the past couple of seasons by signing two-year contracts that include player options in the second year. By getting what he needs in his contract, he can assess where the team stands from year to year and his desire to keep going or call it quits.
The Lakers will now have a different look in the second half of the season as they eye for a postseason spot in the Western Conference, led by James and Doncic.
LeBron James' legacy if he decides to retire this season
LeBron James is considered one of the best players to have ever graced the court as he has won four NBA titles and the same number of MVP awards. He has made it to 10 NBA Finals and has won with every team he has played so far in his career; Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Lakers.
Along with Kevin Durant and Steph Curry, James has become the face of the most recent NBA era and with the blockbuster move, it marks the time when the torch is passed on to the next generation.